Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the high-voltage battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle.

As a result, HEVs can achieve twice the fuel economy of conventional vehicles. In combination, these attributes offer consumers the extended range and rapid refueling they expect from a conventional vehicle, as well as much of the energy and environmental benefits of an electric vehicle. HEVs are inherently flexible, so they can be used in a wide range of applications — from personal transportation to commercial hauling.

Hybrid electric vehicles are becoming cost-competitive with similar conventional vehicles, and most of the cost premium can be offset by overall fuel savings and tax incentives. Some states even offer incentives to consumers buying HEVs.

The Prius is one of Toyota’s top sellers in the United States, which combined with Lexus reached 1 million hybrids sold in the US, and 1.7 million worldwide by February 2009