My wife, Erin, and I recently purchased our first hybrid vehicle. 

After driving a 12-passenger van and large trucks for years, we decided we needed a more fuel-efficient vehicle. 

Erin homeschools and does a lot of around-town commuting, taking kids to practices and school events. She performed months of research looking at vehicles, which led to the purchase of a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Our new Highlander is a parallel hybrid, which allows electric driving when in low speeds and around town. Both the engine and braking help to charge the battery. 

“I really wanted all the features, but most of all I wanted the fuel economy with expectations of 30-35 miles per gallon,” Erin said. “It also makes my heart happy at the gas pump.” 

The number of electric vehicles (EVs) on American roads continues to increase. According to Edmunds.com, a consumer website that serves as a resource for automotive inventory and information, approximately 4.1 million EVs traveled U.S. roads in 2024, compared to only 1.3 million in 2021. That growth seems poised to continue growing exponentially. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory predicts there could be 30-40 million EVs on the road by 2030. 

While owning an EV comes with many benefits—lower operating costs, environmental friendliness and smooth performance—there also are legitimate concerns. EV owners at some point will ask themselves, “Will I run out of battery before I reach my destination?” Along with the range anxiety, they may also wonder if there’s a reliable charging location on their route. 

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEVs) have emerged as a practical and efficient bridge between internal combustion engines and EVs. The HEVs combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. The battery is charged through regenerative braking and the engine itself—in most hybrid options no plugging-in is required. The benefits of a hybrid include improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and a smoother driving experience. 

It didn’t take long to find out we weren’t alone with our EV purchase. United members Robert and Melissa Seabourn own a hybrid Toyota Prius and have been driving HEVs for several years. They are currently on their fourth hybrid vehicle. 

“We switched to the hybrid because we were spending a tremendous amount of money in gas driving long distances to work,” said Melissa, who works as a human resources specialist at United. “The Prius saves us so much gas that the savings covered our entire car payment.” 

The Seabourns also own an EV, and Robert says he purchased another Prius because the family  couldn’t rely on the EV as their only form of transportation. 

“Plus, the 50 miles per gallon makes it a no-brainer,” he said. 

Types of Hybrid Vehicles:

• Full Hybrids: Can drive the vehicle using the electric motor alone, the gasoline engine alone, or a combination of both. Example: Toyota Prius.

• Mild Hybrids: The electric motor assists the engine, but cannot power the vehicle on its own. Examples: Honda Insight (early models) and some newer systems in luxury vehicles.

• Series Hybrids: The engine generates electricity, which then powers the electric motor. Example: BMW i3. 

• Parallel Hybrids: Both the engine and electric motor are connected to the drivetrain and can power the car simultaneously. Example: Toyota Highlander.

• Series-Parallel Hybrids: A combination of two systems that provide maximum flexibility and efficiency. Examples: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V.

• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle: Combines a gasoline (or diesel) engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external power source (like a home outlet or charging station). Example: Toyota RAV4.

HEVs in Different Scenarios

     Starting and Low-Speed Driving:  

• The car typically runs on electric power only at low speeds.

• The engine is off, so there’s no fuel consumption and zero emissions.  

     Normal Driving:

• The system automatically switches between the engine and electric motor depending on speed, power demands and battery charge.

• Both work together (called hybrid drive mode) to provide extra power when needed.

     Acceleration:

•  The electric motor assists the engine, providing a boost in power without using more fuel.

     Cruising:

• Gasoline engine powers car directly.

• If the battery needs charging, the engine drives a generator to charge it.

     Braking / Deceleration:

• HEVs use regenerative braking, capturing energy lost as heat during braking to recharge the battery.

      Stopping:

• Both the engine and motor usually shut off to save fuel.

• Restarting is automatic when you press the accelerator.

     Charging:

• Unlike Plug-in Hybrids, standard HEVs cannot be plugged in.

• They rely entirely on regenerative braking and the gasoline engine to recharge the battery.

The Road Ahead

Hybrid vehicles represent a significant step toward more sustainable and efficient transportation. 

By combining the benefits of internal combustion engines with electric power, hybrids reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and offer drivers a practical solution without requiring major lifestyle changes. 

As technology continues to improve, hybrid vehicles will become more affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly, making them a smart choice for consumers looking to balance performance with responsibility. 

Members should contact United’s Energy Solutions team to discuss EVs, rebates, energy efficiency or schedule an energy audit today.