About Hybrid Vehicles Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are offered by numerous auto manufacturers and are becoming increasingly more available. Today, most people have heard of an HEV and many people have a basic understanding of how they work. HEVs are efficient vehicles that use a small motor and an electric engine to generate the power to drive the vehicle. Clean Cities embraces hybrid vehicle technologies because they offer reduced emissions and, due to their high-fuel economy, help reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil. What is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle? Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) typically combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle. The combination offers low emissions, with the power, range, and convenient fueling of conventional (gasoline and diesel) vehicles, and they never need to be plugged in. The inherent flexibility of HEVs makes them well suited for fleet and personal transportation. How do Hybrids Work?Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are powered by two energy sources—an energy conversion unit (such as a combustion engine or fuel cell) and an energy storage device (such as batteries or ultracapacitors). The energy conversion unit may be powered by gasoline, methanol, compressed natural gas, hydrogen, or other alternative fuels. Hybrid electric vehicles have the potential to be two to three times more fuel-efficient than conventional + more about how hybrids work through the following links: HEVs can have a parallel design, a series design, or a combination of the two. In a parallel design, the energy conversion unit and electric propulsion system are connected directly to the vehicle's wheels. The primary engine is used for highway driving; the electric motor provides added power during hill climbs, acceleration, and other periods of high demand. In a series design, the primary engine is connected to a generator that produces electricity. The electricity charges the batteries, which drive an electric motor that powers the wheels. HEVs can also be built to use the series configuration at low speeds and the parallel configuration for highway driving and acceleration. Unlike electric vehicles, the batteries in HEVs don't need to be plugged in to recharge. Instead, they are recharged using regenerative braking or by using an on-board generator. HEV Availability There are several light-duty HEVs available for purchase today. They include cars, trucks, and even sport utility vehicles. More hybrids are due on the market very soon! Hybrids qualify for tax incentives and can be very comparably priced to other conventional vehicles. In addition, there are several options for purchasing heavy-duty HEV buses, trucks, and shuttles. Hybrid Electric Vehicle Search Information for this page came from: http://www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/hev/ld_search.html | 
