Hybrid technology is proving itself as a viable means of fuel efficiency, low emissions and good performance. The "2010 Fuel Economy Guide" offers fuel cost based on each vehicle's mpg rating; hybrids took nine out of the top 10 spots. Three hybrid SUVs made the top 10.

Definition

A hybrid car is the combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. This combination helps the conventional motor to operate more efficiently.

Hybrids Classified

Hybrids can be classified as mild, full and plug-in. Mild hybrids idle off capacity, have regenerative braking capacity and power assist and engine downsizing. Full hybrids have these plus electric-only drive. The plug-in has all four of these plus extended battery life.

Idle Off and Regenerative Braking

True hybrids use electric motors above 100 volts to allow the vehicle to turn off the gas engine when stopped, thus saving fuel. Regenerative braking in hybrids uses the electric motor to help stop the car, which then recovers some of the kinetic energy and converts it into electricity that is stored in the battery.

Power Assist and Engine Downsizing

An electric motor that shares the load with a downsized gasoline engine is what truly makes the vehicle a hybrid. A true hybrid has a large enough motor and battery to actually assist the vehicle to accelerate while driving.

Electric Only Drive

This allows the vehicle to use the electric motor and battery pack only, thereby using just the electric part of the system. At low speeds and at takeoff, the hybrid operates at its most efficient; at high speeds, the engine takes over.

Extended Battery-Electric Range

This type of hybrid can plug into a clean energy grid and operate for 20 to 60 miles. These hybrids can also operate as a full hybrid when not recharged from a power grid. Because of the high cost for the required larger motor and battery packs, no such hybrids are offered for sale to the public at this time.

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