Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV) have a mechanical combination of a rechargeable electric motor and an internal combustion engine.http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybridtech.shtml HEVs are fuel-efficient cars that get 40 to 70 miles per gallon.http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/hybrid_electric_benefits.html Also, they release lower amounts of carbon dioxide and tailpipe emissions into the environment than conventional gasoline only vehicles.http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/hybrid_electric_benefits.html Unlike fully electric cars, they do not have lower driving ranges and long battery recharge times.http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/hybrid_electric_benefits.html

Some hybrid models are eligible for tax incentives. The credit can be up to $3,400.http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid.shtml Certain automobiles made by BMW, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan and Toyata are qualified for the tax credit.http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid.shtml Consumers can visit the official IRS website for a detailed listing of eligible car models and additional requirements.http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=157632,00.html

HEVs use several technologies to produce power yet conserve energy in an efficient manner. The electric motor aids the gas engine during acceleration. Because of this assistance, small, economical engines can be installed in hybrid vehicles.http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybridtech.shtml HEVs also use regenerative braking. This process converts energy from braking and coasting into electrical energy that recharges the battery.http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybridtech.shtml When the car is not in motion, the on-board computers turn off the engine to conserve energy. At this point, the car switches over to the battery.http://www.hybridcars.com/top-hybrid-cars-list

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) are a mixture of hybrid-electric cars and fully electric cars.http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/plugin_hybrids.html Their construction is the same as a regular hybrid car except that they have a greater amount of battery units. Unlike the hybrid, it does not get completely recharged through regenerative braking. PHEV batteries can be recharged by plugging them in to an electrical outlet.http://www.hybridcars.com/plug-in-hybrid-cars

According to the United States Department of Energy, plug-in hybrid cars have better fuel economy than regular HEVs.http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/hybrid_electric_benefits.html They can be driven for up to 40 miles without switching over to the internal combustion engine.http://www.hybridcars.com/plug-in-hybrid-cars Because of this, PHEVs can run on just the motor during short distance trips. http://www.hybridcars.com/plug-in-hybrid-cars