What is a hybrid vehicle?

A hybrid vehicle is defined as one that utilizes a combination of internal combustion engines and electric motors to provide propulsion. This dual-system approach allows hybrid vehicles to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions compared to traditional vehicles that rely solely on internal combustion engines.

By integrating both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, hybrid vehicles can automatically switch between power sources, depending on driving conditions and energy demands. For instance, during low-speed city driving, the electric motor may handle all the propulsion, leading to lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. At higher speeds or during acceleration, the internal combustion engine may kick in to provide additional power.

This combination results in better fuel economy than internal combustion engines alone, making hybrids more environmentally friendly while still providing the performance and range required by drivers. Thus, the correct understanding of hybrid vehicles emphasizes their versatile powertrains, which set them apart from fully electric vehicles, off-road vehicles, and those that only use petrol.