: These use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. The battery recharges through the engine and regenerative braking , so you never need to plug them in. They are most efficient in stop-and-go city traffic where they can often run on electric power alone at low speeds.
: These have larger batteries that can be charged from an external power source. They offer a limited all-electric range (typically 20–50 miles), which is ideal for short commutes, before switching to standard hybrid mode.
Hybrid technology is not one-size-fits-all; the best choice depends on your daily driving habits and access to charging:
: The electric motor only assists the engine (e.g., during acceleration) and cannot drive the car on its own. These offer smaller fuel efficiency gains than full hybrids. Core Benefits Tax Guide for Green Technology Vehicles - CDTFA - CA.gov