Ever wondered what exactly makes a car a hybrid vehicle? While consumers benefit from the improved fuel economy, hybrids give automakers a way to meet ever-tightening Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements and proposed limits on carbon dioxide emissions. Hybrids have been in the U.S. market since late 1999 and there's a growing used hybrid market that's attracting buyers in search of fuel-efficient cars without a higher price tag.

The hybrid vehicle typically achieves greater fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, resulting in fewer emissions being generated. These savings are primarily achieved by three elements of a typical hybrid design:

1. Relying on both the engine and the electric motors for peak power needs, resulting in a smaller engine sized more for average usage rather than peak power usage. A smaller engine can have less internal losses and lower weight.
2. Having significant battery storage capacity to store and reuse recaptured energy, especially in stop-and-go traffic typical of the city driving cycle.
3. Recapturing significant amounts of energy during braking that are normally wasted as heat. This regenerative braking reduces vehicle speed by converting some of its kinetic energy into electricity, depending upon the power rating of the motor/generator.

So just how many hybrid vehicles are registered in Maricopa County? Should you replace a battery if purchasing a used hybrid car? Is it possible to regenerate a battery inside of a used hybrid car? Listen to the Bumper to Bumper Radio clip above to find out more.

Hybrid Automobile and Car Battery Information | Phoenix AZ Hybrid Car Repair Shops