Since when did hybrid vehicles gain Jetson status? Unreachable? In the case of hybrid vehicles, the basics tend to be muddled in with the complications people view as the primary reason not everyone can drive a hybrid.

Let's go with a few basics of the green car:

1. The gas-electric hybrid is your most common type of green car, attempting to merge reduced emissions and improve efficiency.

2. The electric motor is powered by batteries that recharge as you drive, assisting in acceleration and helping slow the vehicle down. In a sense, the motor is both an accelerator and a generator.

3. When stopped in traffic, the motor shuts the engine off until acceleration occurs.

4. The aerodynamics are re-tooled to maximize efficiency and minimize drag.

Now obviously there are finer and more technical aspects of the green car—this is but a mere scratch on the surface. Whether or not that means you should buy a hybrid is not the point here. Understanding how a hybrid operates (you don't necessarily have to plug them in to charge) is just as important. How else will you be able to debate your passion for green energy?

Besides, hybrids have feelings too ya know...