A hybrid car uses two or more distinct types of power, such as internal combustion engine to drive an electric generator that powers an electric motor, e.g. in diesel-electric trains using diesel engines to drive an electric generator that powers an electric motor, and submarines that use diesels when surfaced and batteries when submerged. Other means to store energy include pressurized fluid in hydraulic hybrids.
The basic principle with hybrid cars is that the different motors work better at different speeds; the electric motor is more efficient at producing torque, or turning power, and the combustion engine is better for maintaining high speed (better than typical electric motor). Switching from one to the other at the proper time while speeding up yields a win-win in terms of energy efficiency, as such that translates into greater fuel efficiency.
Latest Posts About Hybrid Cars
- 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE Drive - The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid delivers more power and better fuel economy than its gas-powered stablemate. It also drives better, is a bit quicker, and doesn't compromise interior space. The hybrid-exclusive XSE displays more aggressive styling compared to the other trims, and…
- 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid - The hybrid version of Honda's top-ranked compact SUV offers everything we love about its gas-only sibling plus excellent efficiency. It is Honda's only hybrid SUV but size-wise, it's positioned between the smaller HR-V and the midsize Passport and Pilot. This…
- What Hybrid should I buy? Everything You Need to Know Is Right Here - What Hybrid should I buy? Now that hybrids are no longer engineered specifically for maximum fuel efficiency, there's one for every requirement—from daily driving to weekend fun. Keep reading to get the full story on hybrid cars and if they…
- 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid - By Greg Fink - MotorTrend Bentley plans to wean itself off internal-combustion engines by the end of the decade, and its latest attempt at embracing electrification comes in the form of the updated 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid. Like the rest of the 2021…
- 2021 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Turbo S E-Hybrid First Drive - By Michael Floyd - MotorTrend "Is this thing on?" After turning the ignition switch located the left side of the dash (yes, Porsche still does that) of the 2021 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Turbo S E-Hybrid, the instrument panel and nav…
- 2021 Toyota Camry XSE Hybrid First Test - By Nick Yekikian - MotorTrend When we tested the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD, we came away confused. Its exhaust sounded great, but it rode harshly and was missing key amenities from higher Camry trims. Frankly, it betrayed the Camry's core mission of being…
- 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid First Test - By Zach Gale - MotorTrend More power doesn't always translate to superior performance. Take the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid for instance; does its class-leading power lead to a meaningful advantage in acceleration compared to the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata hybrids? We track-tested the…
- 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid First Drive Review - By Miguel Cortina - MotorTrend We are big fans of more power and less gas. In theory, that's what the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid delivers—more horsepower and better fuel economy than the Accord sedan equipped with its non-hybrid entry-level turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. And…
- 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited - By Jeff Perez - Motor1 A stylish and fuel-efficient sedan – the Sonata Hybrid is a winner. Looking for a great all-around family sedan? Start your search with the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. This stylish four-door ticks all the appropriate boxes:…
- 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Plug-In Hybrid First Look - By Greg Fink - MotorTrend eep continues to expand its Wrangler SUV's powertrain lineup with the arrival of a plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid option for 2021. Dubbed the 4xe (that's pronounced "four-by-E"), the Wrangler's latest powerplant joins the model's 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6, 270-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter…