The vehicle captures energy normally lost during braking by using the electric motor as a generator and storing the captured energy in the battery. Instead, the vehicle uses regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine to charge. Regenerative BrakingĪn HEV cannot plug in to off-board sources of electricity to charge the battery. Together, these features result in better fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The battery can also power auxiliary loads and reduce engine idling when the vehicle is stopped. In an HEV, the extra power provided by the electric motor may allow for a smaller combustion engine. The tool compares the costs of a selected HEV with a comparably equipped non-hybrid model from the same manufacturer and provides fuel cost savings associated with the HEV option.
Compare HEV and non-hybrid models side by side using the ' Can a Hybrid Save Me Money?' tool on. Although HEVs are often more expensive than similar conventional vehicles, some cost may be recovered through fuel savings or state incentives. HEVs combine the benefits of high fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions with the power and range of conventional vehicles.Ī wide variety of HEV models are currently available. Today's hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are powered by an internal combustion engine in combination with one or more electric motors that use energy stored in batteries.
