Editing Hybrid vehicle (section)

===Fuel consumption and emissions reductions===
The hybrid vehicle typically achieves greater fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional [[internal combustion engine vehicle]]s (ICEVs), resulting in fewer emissions being generated. These savings are primarily achieved by three elements of a typical hybrid design:
# Relying on both the engine and the electric motors for peak power needs, resulting in a smaller engine size more for average usage rather than peak power usage. A smaller engine can have fewer internal losses and lower weight.
# Having significant battery storage capacity to store and reuse recaptured energy, especially in stop-and-go traffic typical of the city [[driving cycle]].
# 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;
Other techniques that are not necessarily 'hybrid' features, but that are frequently found on hybrid vehicles include:
# Using [[Atkinson cycle]] engines instead of [[Otto cycle]] engines for improved fuel economy.
# Shutting down the engine during traffic stops or while coasting or during other idle periods.
# Improving [[Automotive aerodynamics|aerodynamics]]; (part of the reason that SUVs get such bad fuel economy is the drag on the car. A box-shaped car or truck has to exert more force to move through the air causing more stress on the engine making it work harder). Improving the shape and aerodynamics of a car is a good way to help better the fuel economy and also improve [[vehicle handling]] at the same time.
# Using low [[rolling resistance]] [[tires]] (tires were often made to give a quiet, smooth ride, high grip, etc., but efficiency was a lower priority). Tires cause mechanical [[drag (physics)|drag]], once again making the engine work harder, consuming more fuel. Hybrid cars may use special tires that are more inflated than regular tires and stiffer or by choice of [[tire#Components|carcass]] structure and rubber compound have lower rolling resistance while retaining acceptable grip, and so improving fuel economy whatever the power source.
# Powering the a/c, power steering, and other auxiliary pumps electrically as and when needed; this reduces mechanical losses when compared with driving them continuously with traditional engine belts.

These features make a hybrid vehicle particularly efficient for city traffic where there are frequent stops, coasting, and idling periods. In addition [[roadway noise|noise emissions]] are reduced, particularly at idling and low operating speeds, in comparison to conventional engine vehicles. For continuous high-speed highway use, these features are much less useful in reducing emissions.