The simplest definition that defines a hybrid vehicle is one that depends on two power sources – combustion engine and electric motor.

Cutting through the sea of words, hybrids can basically be divided into three main types: These are: full hybrids, mild hybrids, and plug-in hybrids. Hybrids share an overlapping set of technologies to make their systems work. Their basic goal is to maximize the use of the electric portion of the drivetrain because electric motors are more efficient and produce no emissions.

Parallel Hybrid

This is the most common type of hybrid where the car is powered by both the combustion engine and the electric motor. Some cars like the Toyota Prius would use the electric motor till 25 kmph. The combustion engine would only come at higher speeds. The energy released from the braking system is then stored in the batteries for later use.

Plug-In Hybrids

Commonly referred to as PHEV, the car can be plugged in to charge the batteries. Most PHEV’s have a higher electric range, which means they can travel solely on electric power for a long distance before the combustion engine punches in. The mechanism of PHEV is the same as a regular hybrid. Both feature a combustion engine and an electric motor and the supply of electricity is done through batteries. The vehicle is plugged into an electric point to recharge the batteries.

Micro-Hybrids

A micro-hybrid vehicle uses a ‘start-stop’ function where the regeneration in braking technology helps to stop the combustion when the vehicle comes to a stand-still within three seconds and restarts the engine when the car accelerates. The system through sensors detects when the car is stand-still and if the drive has stopped the vehicle at a traffic signal putting the transmission to neutral. The engine is switched off.