What is a Hybrid Motor?

Question

How does it perform differently than electric or gas powered cars?
Explain the benefits of hybrid vehicles. Please
How is a hybrid engine more efficient than a gas-powered engine?
What pollutants are given off by gas-powered engines?
What effect on our environment do these pollutants have?

If you have the ability to answer all, please do(including the "what is a hybrid motor"). Thanks

First to answer all gets voted as best answer

Answer 1

The term 'hybrid motor' is actually a misnomer - there is no such thing. A hybrid vehicle gets its name from the fact that it contains both an electric motor and a gasoline engine.
*
The hybrid nature of the vehicle lets it perform differently from either stand-alone vehicle. Hybrids get better gas mileage than a gas vehicle because the electric motor can run during driving conditions that would be least efficient for the gas engine (like stop-and-go city driving.) And unlike a pure electric vehicle, the gas engine gives much greater driving range.
*
Gas engines give off a number of pollutants, most notably carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide (a contributor to global warming), and also known carcinogenic substances. The EPA has said in the past that it attributes about half of all outdoor-related cancers to auto fumes.
*
The next generation of hybrids may be 'plug-in' hybrids. This type of hybrid would have a greatly expanded electric drive, and in fact, the gas engine may be relegated to simply charging the batteries. This would allow the car to function as a pure electric car most of the time, thereby reducing pollutants, improving energy efficiency, and greatly reducing the fuel cost associated with driving.

Answer 2

Hybrid car/vehicle. Not engine/motor.

It's just a combination of gas/diesel engine and electric motor.