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 HEVs never need to be plugged in.

Hybrid electric vehicles of the future could use alternative fuels such as biodiesel, natural gas, or ethanol. The flexibility of HEVs makes them well suited for fleet and personal transportation. Learn more about the components of a hybrid system.

Hybrid electric vehicles currently do not qualify as alternative fuel vehicles under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. However, they do qualify for incentives and provide several important benefits. Learn about currently available HEVs.

How Hybrid Electric Vehicles Work

Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by two energy sources—an energy conversion unit (such as an internal combustion engine or fuel cell) and an energy storage device (such as batteries or ultracapacitors). The energy conversion unit can be powered by gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas, hydrogen, or other fuels.

Hybrid electric vehicles have the potential to be two to three times more fuel-efficient than conventional vehicles. HEVs can have a parallel design, a series design, or a combination of the two.

View an animation showing how HEVs work. (Download Flash Player.) Or view the text version.