At a time when drivers are trying to use less petrol, both to help save the environment and save on expensive petrol prices, hybrid vehicles are becoming a serious alternative to traditional modes of transport. So what is so different about hybrid vehicles?

Basically, a hybrid vehicle is one which uses two or more different sources of power. These power sources can vary, depending on types of vehicles. For example, a sailboat normally relies on wind force, but modern sailboats often have a motor as well, just in case the weather is calm!

Hybrid cars are generally referred to as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), as they combine a traditional petrol motor with a rechargeable electric battery to make them more efficient. HEVs use battery to drive most of the time, and use the combustion engine only when extra power is needed, for example when overtaking other vehicles or driving at a high speed. They are particularly suited to drive in busy cities like Hong Kong as they often travel at a slow speed, using very little petrol.

Hybrid cars have many benefits - they save on petrol use, reduce polluting emissions, and in doing so they help keep our air clean. Hybrid cars are expected to become more popular in future!