- Hybrid cars are cars that operate on a combination of gas power and electrical power. In an absolute sense, all the power in a hybrid car comes from gasoline, since the car creates and stores all of its own electrical power while using the gas motor. This electrical power is created while driving the car at steady high speeds, and while braking gradually, which allows the car to reabsorb some of the power that was carrying it forward to convert into electricity. The electrical power is used when starting up, and sometimes for driving with electrical and gas power simultaneously.
- The major advantage of hybrid cars is that they require less gas, since some of their power comes from electricity. Reduced gas consumption is of great environmental benefit, and of course, it can also save a lot of money. However, the really important factor to consider is the mileage. A hybrid car that does 30 miles per gallon is no better or worse, environmentally or financially, than a traditionally powered car with the same gas mileage. Generally, though, hybrid vehicles have significantly better gas mileage than traditional vehicles.
- Since hybrid cars use stored electrical power when starting up, they are the most beneficial in situations that involve a lot of starting. City driving, with its many stops and starts, really takes advantage of the strengths of hybrid cars, and generally results in much better gas mileage than a traditional vehicle would have in the same situation. In a city or on the open road, stopping gradually rather than slamming on the brakes is the best way to charge the battery and conserve as much power as possible.
