In recent years there have been two popular kinds of hybrid drive that have been developed by various car manufacturers. The first kind are known as ‘Series hybrids’ and they use an old fashion combustion engine which will in turn generate electricity to power the electric motor and thereby providing the vehicle with motive power. The other kind are known as ‘parallel hybrids’ and they operate with the wheels being either powered directly from the engine or from the electric drive train running on battery power. With either kind of drive, if there is low engine loading, then the excess energy will be stored up for being used later. If there is a need for more energy then the main engine as well as the energy storage device will both work together in order to produce the power that is required. By operating like this the hybrids will provide a greatly improved economy of fuel and will reduce their emissions significantly.

In addition, hybrids are now described as either ‘strong’ or ‘mild’ in order to accurately reflect their amount of battery power they have built into them; strong hybrids are usually able to spend a much greater length of time in their purely electric mode. Either way, most hybrids will function in their electric mode at relatively low speeds, which is the reason that they are so perfect for urban and city driving. In addition, battery storage also allows for regenerative braking, which will itself top up the battery whenever you brake, reducing your fuel use by a further 20%.

When it comes to performance hybrids are very similar to conventional fuel vehicles, with acceleration and handling broadly similar to most equivalent vehicles. On the outside most hybrids do look a bit different (and arguably the design of hybrids is one element that still needs work) and they certainly sound different- when you pull away at the lights in a hybrid you can barely hear any noise coming from the engine.

The best comparison of course, is the amount you spend on fuel and the amount you emit in carbon dioxide – both of which give hybrids significant advantages over old fashioned vehicles.

Alex is a journalist and blogger. He writes on everything from finance to design and writes a consumer blog for Coupon Croc .