So you want to know how do hybrid cars work?  The information below is a general explnation of hybrid engine technology.

 

How do hybrid cars work:

 

  Hybrid cars work by integrating multiple power sources such as a gas engine, an electric motor and a high-powered battery to produce power.  The combination of a small gasoline engine and a high-torque electric motor and battery yields top gas mileage.  Basically, an electric motor powers the vehicle under most conditions, and is recharged by recapturing energy from the gas engine that would normally be lost when decelerating or coasting. .

  One type of hybrid engine, known as "hybrid assist" uses the electric motor to only assist the gas engine.  In this technology, the gas engine provides the main force, and the electric motor provides assist whenever extra power is needed.  The electric motor does not operate independently, it can generate electricity for the battery or consume electricity from the battery, but not both at the same time. Honda hybrids generaly use this technology.

 

  The more common "full-hybrid" engine uses the gas and electric motors Independently.  In this technology the electric motor can operate on it's own and is used at low speeds or under conditions that require less power.  Then at higher speeds or when more power is required, both the electric and gas motors work together.  The electric battery is recharged when using the gas and electric together so there is no reason to "plug it in".  Lexus, Toyota, Ford and Chevy use this type of engine in their hybrids.

 

  Other design features make hybrids more efficient from their standard counterparts.  Sleek profiles provide low aerodynamic drag.  Low-resistance tires made of special rubber reduce friction with the road.  Many also run on advanced continuously variable transmissions with an infinite variety of gear ratios.