Parallel and Series

There are two basic ways the engine and motor can work together.

They are called parallel and series.

In a parallel hybrid, the engine and motor both supply power that drives the wheels.

In a series hybrid, the gasoline engine is used to generate electricity; the electric motor drives the wheels.

Mild and Full
Some hybrids are called mild hybrids. Others are called full hybrids. The difference has to do with the electric motor. If the motor can drive the car
by itself, without the gasoline engine, then the car is a full hybrid. The Ford Escape Hybrid is one example of a car that can do this. If the electric
motor ordinarily just assists the engine, the car is a mild hybrid. Honda’s hybrid Civic is an example of a mild hybrid.

A Honda Civic Hybrid gets run through it's paces.

Power-Assist Hybrids
Certain hybrids are sometimes called power-assist hybrids. Usually these are mild hybrids. The electric motor helps the engine at times—such as
when accelerating. Honda’s Civic hybrid is an example.