How does a hybrid vehicle give good fuel economy?

The basic answer is that electric motors are most efficient for low-speed driving -- they get the car going with a minimum expenditure of energy. ... Engineers have used a number of other design elements to increase the fuel efficiency of hybrids: ... You sacrifice rapid acceleration for better mileage [source: Vijayenthiran]. read more

So the end result of the hybrid system meshed with the operating characteristics of the IC engine, regenerative braking and downsizing the engine results in more efficient use of the fuel used as well as reducing the amount of fuel needed. read more

Since the first post was just non-hybrid cars that got good highway fuel economy, and the only time TH mentions the Prius, with no inflection of it being less efficient than the OP cars, was in response to a post that brought the car up by another poster, it is a fair assumption that his comments and comparisons are in relation to non-hybrid cars. read more

Non-hybrid cars that give Good Fuel Economy (highway) Discussion in 'Other Cars' started by Troy Heagy, Feb 9, 2014. read more

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors. They can be designed to meet different goals, such as better fuel economy or more power. Most hybrids use several advanced technologies: Regenerative Braking. Regenerative braking recaptures energy normally lost during coasting or braking. read more