Why are all-electric plug-in cars being described as 'Hybrids'?

Question

Electric-in,electric storage and electric use means an all electric car. I see this word-'hybrid' applied wrongly, in to many ways,among the media. I see how hybrid might describe an all electric if a solar panel,mounted on the car, contributes to it's effectiveness.What I don't see is how a wind/solar fed power grid gives an all-electric plug-in car hybrid status. Seams to me that toyota and honda really want to confuse us on the matter to limit thier losses in an all-electric conversion. To think that these two powerhouses have little influence, in this reguard, is a serious mistake .

Answer 1

Plug in cars are called hybrids because they do use gas, but also use electric. The true definition of hybrid is a mix between two things, that is why they are called hybrids!

Answer 2

Both Toyota and Honda are coming out with plug-in hybrids. as well as GM is soon,

They are all hybrids that have plug-in capacity so that you can run the first 40 miles as an electric plug-in, but once the battery reaches 30% charge, and fuel powered generator kicks in and you can get extra miles running as a hybrid.

So basically what you are getting is a hybrid with the ability to plug-in for the first 40 miles.

Answer 3

Hybrids got good press. Electric cars got bad press.  If you want people to show interest in your car, call it a hybrid.  Sure, the facts are wrong, but since when has that stopped anyone?

Answer 4

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/f*g/hybrid_sb...

Answer 5

That may be because Toyota and Honda still use gasoline.  It is not all electric all the time.