Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of gasoline engines and
electric motors and can be configured to obtain different objectives, such as
improved fuel economy, increased power, or additional auxiliary power for
electronic devices and power tools.
Some of the advanced technologies typically used by hybrids include
Regenerative Braking. The electric motor applies resistance to the drivetrain
causing the wheels to slow down. In return, the energy from the wheels turns the
motor, which functions as a generator, converting energy normally wasted during
coasting and braking into electricity, which is stored in a battery until needed
by the electric motor.
Electric Motor Drive/Assist. The electric motor provides additional power to
assist the engine in accelerating, passing, or hill climbing. This allows a
smaller, more efficient engine to be used. In some vehicles, the motor alone
provides power for low-speed driving conditions where internal combustion
engines are least efficient.
Automatic Start/Shutoff. Automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle
comes to a stop and restarts it when the accelerator is pressed. This prevents
wasted energy from idling.
For fuel economy information on these vehicles, please visit the Compare
Side-by-Side section.
How Hybrids Get Such Great Gas Mileage
It is no accident that the most fuel efficient vehicles in some classes for the
2006 model year are hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs). Hybrids can be configured
in many different ways to achieve a variety of different objectives. They
combine the best features of the internal combustion engine with an electric
motor and can significantly improve fuel economy without sacrificing performance
or driving range. HEVs may also be configured to provide electrical power to
auxiliary loads such as power tools.
HEVs are primarily propelled by an internal combustion engine, just like
conventional vehicles. However, they also convert energy normally wasted during
coasting and braking into electricity, which is stored in a battery until needed
by the electric motor. The electric motor is used to assist the engine when
accelerating or hill climbing and in low-speed driving conditions where internal
combustion engines are least efficient. Some HEVs also automatically shut off
the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and restart it when the accelerator
is pressed. This prevents wasted energy from idling. Unlike all-electric
vehicles, HEVs now being offered do not need to be plugged into an external
source of electricity to be recharged; conventional gasoline and regenerative
braking provide all the energy the vehicle needs.
Potential buyers should also be aware that the federal government is currently
offering tax incentives for HEVs and other alternative fuel vehicles. Some
states also offer incentives.
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Some of the advanced technologies typically used by hybrids include
