Hybrid Glossary
Idle Off Capability - Allows a vehicle to turn off its gasoline engine when stopped in traffic or at a stoplight allowing the engine to consume no fuel. The engine will turn back on instantly when the gas pedal is applied if needed.
Regenerative Braking Capacity - The ability for the vehicle to recover kinetic energy from the use of the brakes is regenerative braking. Regenerative braking uses friction from stopping to energize an electric motor as a generator. Electricity produced is then stored in batteries that is later used to propel the vehicle with little or no help from gasoline engine.
Full Hybrid - A full hybrid has an electric drive motor and an internal combustion engine and battery system. The hybrid vehicle can be powered solely by the electric motor when power requirements are low (typically low speeds). When more power is needed, the gas engine and electric motor engages to propel the vehicle.
Plug-In- Electric Vehicle(PHEV) - A hybrid vehicle with batteries that can be recharged by connecting a plug to standard household outlet or suitable power source. The hybrid vehicle also has a gas engine which can be used to maintain batter charge and for propulsion as needed.