Every car, that has more than one source/type of energy can be called hybrid. Hybrids became increasingly importaint in eyes of public, when all the hype about hydrogen, as the replacement for fossile fuel started… And we immediately saw some hydrogen hybrids.

It is vital to know, that not all hybrids are the same. First generation of hybrids had old internal combustion engine and then additional electro motor on the same or opposite drive shaft (there is no standard yet, and different auto makers are trying different approaches). Car runs on internal combustion engine all the time, but in some situations (like on accelerating) computer starts electric motor, to help the internal combustion one. The on board computer controls electric powerdrive, and in some rare cases driver can switch to electric-only mode. In first generation of electric hybrids the capacity of inbuild batteries is around 1,5 kWh, which is enough for around 10-15 miles (cca 20 km).

Next generation of hybrids will feature smalled internal combustion engine, which will not be connected to drive shaft, but will only be used to produce electricity for electric powerdrive/motor, and excessive electricity will be stored in batteries. Benefits that this scenario is bringing to roads is simplification of whole car - meaning less mechanics, less transmissions/gears - which will show in lower production price, lower maintenance cost, and higher efficiency and mileage. Internal combustion engines will be smalled 800-1200 ccm3, and they will run on constant revolution speed. We saw some home-made hybrids that use small diesel engine, which needs around 1 gallon of oil per 100 miles (2-3 liters of oil per 100 km).Some early serial produced commercial vehicles with same design are also emerging on market, more are expected with high class products as Tesla Roadster and new GM hybrids…