How Hybrid engines work:

A hybrid powered vehicle has two sources of power, most hybrids have an electric motor and a gasoline engine coupled together. Managed by a sophisticated computerized control system, the modern hybrid can switch from electric to gas depending on the most efficient source at that time.

Hybrid cars have also harnessed braking inertia to recharge the vehicle batteries. As you apply the brakes; a generator program engages the electric motor causing the car to slow down and charge the battery at the same time (kinetic energy). Hybrid's are built of light and technologically advanced materials to offset the additional weight of the batteries and extra motor; including high pressure tires, graphite components, and smaller overall size.

Interesting Points:

1. a hybrid car will not leave you stranded because the electrical charge has run out. (the gas engine would take over)

2. a hybrid car is quiet while in operation, like a whisper, then the gas engine will start (this is normal)

Do to emission restrictions on automobile manufacturers; they are forced by the government to implement a line of hybrid cars and trucks. Design characteristics enable hybrid cars and trucks to go further on a single gallon of gas then ever before. As crude oil reserves dwindle and demands keep rising, the price of a gallon of gas has no choice but to go up.

Emissions produced are less with a hybrid, the gasoline engine is much like the engine that is normally in the car, but the engine runs less, so emission gases are less. A electric motor is fastened between the engine and transmission, this electric motor has two jobs, it powers to car when demanded plus the electric motor helps stop the car and charge the battery at the same time. An electric motor and a generator are very similar, just change the polarity and characteristic of the motor changes from power output source to electromagnetic generator.

Common problems:

1. hybrids cost more to purchase

2. hybrids maintenance is more expensive
 

Also see:

How to check - service engine soon light or check engine light
How to check engine miss
How gas engines work
How hybrid engines work
How to check for low power
How to check for over heating
How to replace spark plugs