Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of high fuel economy and low emissions with the power, range, and convenience of conventional diesel and gasoline fueling. HEV technologies also have the potential to be combined with alternative fuels and fuel cells to provide additional benefits. 

What is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle?

Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by two energy sources: an energy storage unit and an energy storage device.   A typical combination is the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle and the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle.  The energy conversion unit can be powered by gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas, hydrogen, or other fuels. 

HEV technology enhances performance, reduces emissions, and has the potential to be two to three times more fuel-efficient than conventional vehicles.

Click for animation courtesy of fueleconomy.gov and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Benefits of Hybrid Electric Vehicles:

Hybrid electric vehicles offer low emissions, with the power, range, and convenient fueling of conventional (gasoline and diesel) vehicles.  HEVs can drive 40 to 70 miles on one gallon of gasoline and are cost competitive with similar conventional vehicles.  Additionally, the batteries in HEVs do not need to be plugged in to recharge. 

Incentives:

While an HEV is not defined as an alternative fuel vehicle by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, it does qualify for Louisiana tax credits.  Learn more about the Louisiana Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Tax Credit on our Incentives page. 

Additional Information:

For further reading on Benefits and Availability of Hybrid Electric Vehicles visit http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/vehicles/hybrid_electric.html.  

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center (http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/)