its an underpowered piece of crap... no really what it is is a car that has both an electric motor and a small petrol engine. the battery charges from the petrol engine when it is running (in situations when the car needs performance eg high speed, acceleration) and when the cars just going hell slow it runs off the electric one... the result is very good fuel efficiency, but dont buy one they suck they r very slow and expensive
A hybrid vehicle, not always cars, are those that are powered by both electricity and gas, but not at the same time. The vehicle operates on gas during acceleration, and goes to electricity during braking and idling.