PHEVs are based on the same three basic powertrain architectures as conventional electric hybrids:

The other issue not considered is the effect electric and electric hybrids will have.

These technologies include full-function electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

If we don't bring population growth into check soon, no expensive electric hybrids will save us.

There is no such problem with the hydraulic system, which captures about three-quarters of the braking energy, compared with 35 or 40 percent for an electric hybrid.

Hydraulic hybrids are said to be power dense, while electric hybrids are energy dense.

An electric hybrid up!

Unlike the lower-powered small electric hybrid it has 250 horses and 31.5 kg-m of torque under the hood ready whenever needed.

Toyota and Honda have already said they've halved the incremental cost of electric hybrids and see cost parity in the future (even without incentives).

Read on to learn exactly how hydraulic hybrids work, how they compare to electric hybrids and how they're being used today.