Hybrid cars are vehicles that combine the use of an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor and battery system. They are designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by utilizing the electric motor for low-speed driving and the ICE for high-speed or long-distance travel. Here are descriptions of different types of hybrid cars:

Full Hybrid (Parallel Hybrid): Full hybrids are the most common type of hybrid cars. They can operate using only the electric motor, only the ICE, or a combination of both. The electric motor assists the ICE during acceleration and low-speed driving, and it also functions as a generator to recharge the battery when the vehicle decelerates. Full hybrids can also utilize regenerative braking to convert kinetic energy into electricity.

Mild Hybrid: Mild hybrids incorporate a smaller electric motor that assists the ICE but cannot propel the vehicle independently. The electric motor provides additional power during acceleration and reduces the load on the ICE, improving fuel efficiency. Mild hybrids cannot run on electric power alone and typically offer a smaller reduction in fuel consumption compared to full hybrids.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): PHEVs have a larger battery capacity compared to other hybrid types. They can be charged by plugging into an electrical outlet, allowing them to operate in electric-only mode for a significant distance. PHEVs offer a greater all-electric range compared to other hybrids, making them suitable for short daily commutes. Once the battery is depleted, the vehicle operates like a full hybrid, utilizing the ICE and regenerative braking.

Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV): REEVs are similar to PHEVs, but they primarily operate using electric power. The ICE in an REEV is used as a generator to produce electricity and recharge the battery, extending the total driving range. The ICE does not directly power the wheels. REEVs provide the advantage of electric-only operation while offering a longer driving range compared to pure electric vehicles.

Series Hybrid: In a series hybrid, the ICE solely functions as a generator to recharge the battery, which then powers the electric motor that drives the wheels. The ICE does not directly drive the vehicle. Series hybrids offer the advantage of a more efficient ICE, as it can operate at its optimum power range consistently. They are less common in passenger cars but are used in some commercial vehicles and hybrid buses.

These are the primary types of hybrid cars available in the market. Each type offers its own benefits and trade-offs in terms of fuel efficiency, electric range, and overall performance, allowing consumers to choose the one that best suits their needs and preferences.