Hybrid systems

A 'hybrid' is an offspring that carries traits from two dissimilar parents. In popular use, 'hybrid' refers to a vehicle that can make use of two different power sources, usually an electric motor and gasoline engine. The strength of a hybrid comes from its flexibility in using whichever system is best suited to the circumstances at hand. In the case of a hybrid car, an electric motor is better at getting a car rolling when it was stopped; also, when you want to slow down, an electric motor can be used in reverse to become a generator, slowing the car and recharging batteries. (A gasoline engine can't suck hot exhaust gases back through its tailpipe and convert them back to gasoline.) If you're thinking of some other use of 'hybrid', give some more details.