A new breed of car. This hybrid car was first produced in 1999. It is light, aerodynamic, and has a small, efficient engine. The parts of the car and their functions:

• Lightweight materials: A small engine and synthetic materials, such as carbon fiber, reduce the car’s weight to improve fuel efficiency.
• Aerodynamic body: The teardrop shape reduces air resistance, improving efficiency.
• Battery: The battery stores energy for the electric motor.
• Gasoline engine: This small heat engine is most efficient for cruising at constant speed. It is assisted by the electric motor during acceleration.
• Transmission: This converts the rotation of shafts in the electric motor and the gas engine into wheel rotation. In this model, both the electric motor and the engine can directly drive the transmission.
• Electric motor: The electric motor is more efficient than a heat engine for accelerating at low speeds. When the brakes are used, the electric motor acts as a generator, recharging the batteries. This way of generating power is called regenerative braking.
• Tires: These tires are inflated to a higher pressure than conventional tires to reduce friction.