What could a Toyota Prius possibly have in common with a Porsche Cayenne, a Chevrolet Volt or a Ford Fusion? Each is available with a hybrid powertrain, a propulsion system made famous by the Prius.
While consumers benefit from the improved fuel economy, hybrids give automakers a way to meet ever-tightening Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements and proposed limits on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Hybrids have been in the U.S. market since late 1999 and there's a growing used hybrid market that's attracting buyers in search of fuel-efficient cars without a higher price tag.
But what exactly is a hybrid, and how does it improve fuel economy? Are all hybrids laid out essentially the same under the hood? Do they all provide similar fuel savings? Read on.