How does a hybrid car work?

Hybrid cars use an electric motor for extra acceleration and to allow for a smaller more efficient gasoline engine. The engine converts gasoline into stored energy in the batteries. The electric motor also works to convert energy from regenerative braking into electricity that is stored in the batteries. When traveling at low speeds the computer adjusts to all electric power because, electric motors have a great deal of torque and are better suited for the loads associated with acceleration from a stand still. Once at speed the smaller gas motor can easily maintain the speed, while charging the batteries until the next time there is a load put on the vehicle.