Hybrid cars work by combining an internal combustion engine (ICE) with one or more electric motors that use energy stored in batteries to power the vehicle. This dual powertrain allows the car to switch between or simultaneously use gasoline and electric power to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions

. Key aspects of how hybrid cars operate include:

• Power Sources: The gasoline engine and electric motor can work independently or together to drive the wheels. At low speeds, the electric motor often powers the car alone, while the gasoline engine assists or takes over at higher speeds or when more power is needed

• Battery Charging: Unlike plug-in electric vehicles, hybrid cars cannot be charged by plugging into an external source. Instead, their batteries are charged through regenerative braking, which captures kinetic energy when slowing down and converts it back into electrical energy, and by the internal combustion engine running a generator

• Regenerative Braking: When the driver brakes or decelerates, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity to recharge the battery. This process also helps slow the car, reducing wear on traditional brakes

• Automatic Engine Start/Stop: The engine automatically shuts off when the vehicle stops (e.g., at traffic lights) and restarts when the accelerator is pressed, reducing fuel consumption and emissions during idling

• Power Electronics and Control Systems: A controller manages the flow of electrical energy between the battery and electric motor, optimizing performance and efficiency by controlling motor speed and torque

• Smaller Engine Size: Because the electric motor can provide additional power when needed, hybrid cars often use smaller internal combustion engines than conventional cars, improving fuel economy without sacrificing performance

In summary, hybrid cars intelligently blend gasoline and electric power, using regenerative braking to recharge the battery and sophisticated controls to maximize efficiency and reduce emissions while maintaining driving performance