Hybrid Cars

Designed as an answer to high emissions from petrol-fueled vehicles, hybrid cars use a combination of power sources to increase fuel efficiency and cut back significantly on emissions. Hybrid cars were once the highlight of car shows, but today they are not only in the spotlight, but easily found on the roads as well. Hybrid cars range from the compact cars most envision to full-sized sport utility vehicles. Hybrid cars have two engine components and are classified primarily by how the power for the vehicle is created and then utilized.

Mild Hybrid Cars

Relying primarily on petrol and a gas engine, the mild hybrid car uses petrol first and electric power second when driving. The mild hybrid car also is charged by technology including regenerative braking. Regenerative braking takes the kinetic energy produced by hitting the brakes into electric energy which can power the vehicle and the onboard electronics as well.

Full Hybrid Cars

Unlike the mild hybrid car, the full hybrid vehicle uses primarily electric power. The electricity is used mainly for propulsion with a secondary gas engine on reserve for power and added acceleration when needed. The full hybrid is also termed a "two-mode" hybrid at times.

Driving Hybrid Cars

In a hybrid engine, the gasoline engine is used when a vehicle is moving at a rapid clip and the electric portion of the engine kicks in when the car is idling or traveling more slowly through crowded streets and neighborhoods. While the internal combustion engine is working, the electric motor and components are charging or conserving power so that they can kick in when needed. Having two motors gives you peace of mind that you're unlikely to become stranded as you'll always have an extra motor should one develop a problem.

While the hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) can perform at higher speeds and save up to 60% on the emissions produced, there are complications to owning a HEV as well. Hybrid cars have two engines for all intensive purposes, creating the possibility that there will be twice the maintenance on the hybrid vehicle as there would be on a single engine car. The hybrid cars are also considerably more expensive than their petrol-fueled counterparts. There are increasing signs, however, of hybrid cars becoming more affordable to buy and own as technology advances.