Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of high fuel economy and low emissions with the power, range, and convenience of conventional diesel and gasoline fueling. HEV technologies also have potential to be combined with alternative fuels and fuel cells to provide additional benefits. Future offerings might also include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
HEVs typically combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle. The combination offers low emissions, with the power, range, and convenient fueling of conventional (gasoline and diesel) vehicles-and HEVs never need to be plugged in.
Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by two energy sources-an energy conversion unit (such as an internal combustion engine or fuel cell) and an energy storage device (such as batteries or ultracapacitors). The energy conversion unit can be powered by gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas, hydrogen, or other fuels.
Hybrid electric vehicles have the potential to be two to three times more fuel-efficient than conventional vehicles. HEVs can have a parallel design, a series design, or a combination of the two.
The DoE Alternative Fuels and Advanced Data Center has animation showing how HEVs work.
Yes! Visit the AFDC’s HEV Incentives and Laws page for information on state and federal incentives available for hybrid electric vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles and equipment.
The AFDC’s HEV Cost Calculator allows fleets to compare the costs, benefits, and emissions of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) with those of conventional vehicles in two ways:
