They're hybrid cars, not hybrid engine. The engine in most is just a very small convential engine, usually around 1 litre. Semantics maybe, but I'm a coder I have to be accurate.
They're hybrid because motivational force is also applied by a convential electric motor. In some cases this electric motor doubles as the generator, in others a seperate generator (or four) is used to produce electricty while slowing the car down.
They're required by the EPA to list MPG data that's derived from measuring the exhaust fumes at the pipe, not based on real world data. On average expect the MPG rating listed on the sticker to be 20% higher than you'll see in real driving.
The electric motor provides only a small amount of additional horsepower, but proportionally a tremendous amount of torque. In the Insight hybrid the figures are something like 13 HP, 13 feet/lb of torque. That's enough to get the low rolling resistance tires to slip.
Fire departments and other emergency crews are being trained to only use Jaws Of Life type devices above the the window line, essentially cutting the roof off. If an airbag is deployed the system is designed to isolate the batteries, but there is still the potential for a very large amount of voltage to be flowing through the cables.
Hope this was useful
