Parallel Hybrids
This is the most common type, as they are set up to use the selectively use the gasoline engine or the electric motor to drive the car. They can also engage both at once. The electric motor gets the nod at lower speeds because that’s when their high initial torque and efficiency can make the best use of the limited battery energy.
After a delayed restart, the gasoline engine joins in and eventually takes over as speed climbs and settles into a cruise, at which point the engine is in its sweet spot. Some designs employ a single motor sandwiched between the engine and a conventional transmission, while others use an arrangement of two electric motors that work together to act as a continuously variable transmission for the engine. Examples of the former include early Honda hybrids as well as current Hyundai and Kia offerings such as the Elantra. The latter describes Toyota, Lexus, and Ford hybrids such as the Maverick.