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In 1901 Ferdinand Porsche developed the Lohner-Porsche Mixte Hybrid, the first gasoline-electric hybrid automobile in the world. The hybrid-electric vehicle did not become widely available until the release of the Toyota Prius in Japan in 1997, followed by the Honda Insight in 1999.he hybrid-electric vehicle did not become widely available until the release of the Toyota Prius in Japan in 1997, followed by the Honda Insight in 1999.
How does a plug-in hybrid work? A hybrid car is like two cars in one: it has a conventional gasoline (petrol) engine for fast freeway driving and an electric motor for more economic, pollution-free travel (or idling). In different designs, the wheels are driven by the engine, the motor, or both together. 1  Gasoline pump is the car's primary source of energy. 2  Conventional fuel tank. 3  Conventional internal combustion engine.  Engine powers wheels through conventional gears and transmission.