Hybrid cars combine a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. There are different types of hybrids, including mild hybrids, full hybrids, and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Full hybrids like the Toyota Prius use the electric motor for low-speed driving and the gasoline engine for higher speeds or acceleration. Plug-in hybrids have larger batteries that can be charged from an external outlet, allowing for several miles of purely electric driving. The system automatically switches between power sources to optimize performance based on driving conditions. Regenerative braking is a key feature of hybrid technology, where the energy lost during braking is captured and stored in the battery. This makes hybrid vehicles especially efficient in stop-and-go city traffic, where traditional cars waste a lot of fuel.