Hybrid vehicle have been steadily growing in popularity for their incredible fuel economy and reduced carbon footprint. Hybrid vehicles use both gas combustion engines in conjunction with a electric motors for driving. Cars that are only electric use only electric motors that require charging in order to operate. Here is an overview of how hybrid and electric cars work, and whether they’re a good choice for you.
Hybrid vehicles use both a gas engine and an electric motor to drive down the road. The gas fired engine provides the main source of energy for propulsion, while the electric motor provides extra assistance for acceleration.
This combination allows for a smaller, more efficient gas engine to be used which reduces fuel usage as well as environmental impact. At low speeds where gas engines are generally very inefficient, like in a parking lot, only the electric motor is used.
Instead of relying solely on the vehicles brakes, the electric motor applies resistance to the drive train which then slows down the vehicle. At the same time, the electric motor acts as a generator, where the resistance applied to the drive train actually turns the motor generating more electricity that can be stored in the battery to be reused. The system also converts energy spent while coasting and braking into usable electricity.
The moment a hybrid vehicle comes to a stop, the engine automatically shuts off to save energy. When the accelerator pedal is pressed, the engine instantly turns back on. No energy is wasted by idling.
While certain models of Hybrid cars can be plugged into an electrical outlet to be charged, they do not rely solely on electricity. There are cars however, that run purely on electricity.
These electric cars must be plugged into an electrical outlet in order to charge their powerful batteries that provide energy for driving. Since electric cars need to be charged in order to operate, their range of operation is limited. But, for people who only drive short distances every day, electric cars provide an incredibly economical and environmentally friendly way to get around.
If you’re interested in the idea of saving a ton of money on fuel, and also lighten your carbon footprint, a hybrid or electric car might be just what you need. Come visit Orangeville Honda to check out our lineup of Honda Hybrids and Electric cars.
You might also be interested in these blogs:
Other Articles That May Interest You
The 5 Most Fuel-Efficient Honda Vehicles You Can Buy in 2026
Honda's 2026 lineup places fuel efficiency at the forefront, with four of the top five spots occupied by models featuring the award-winning Honda two-motor hybrid system. This ranking uses official Government of Canada combined fuel consumption ratings, ensuring accurate, real-world data. From the Civic Sedan Hybrid's 4.9 L/100 km combined rating to the gas-powered Civic LX's competitive...
Winter Escapes from Orangeville: Top 2026 Honda SUVs for a Ski Trip to Blue Mountain
Planning a winter getaway to Blue Mountain Resort from Orangeville means preparing for snowy highways, icy parking lots, and the need to haul skis, boots, and winter gear. The 2026 Honda lineup delivers three SUVs engineered to handle Ontario's winter conditions with confidence: the all-new Pilot, the rugged Passport TrailSport, and the first-ever CR-V TrailSport Hybrid. Each offers distinct...
The Complete 2026 Honda Hybrid Guide: Models, Specs, and Fuel Efficiency for Orangeville Drivers
Honda's commitment to electrification is transforming how drivers in Orangeville and across Ontario experience efficiency without compromise. With hybrid models now representing over 40% of Honda brand sales in Canada, the shift toward hybrid-electric powertrains reflects both environmental responsibility and practical driving benefits. From the spacious CR-V Hybrid to the sporty Civic Hybrid,...
