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Good question. As it's name implies, a hybrid is composed of two propulsion systems: a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Each of these power the vehicle to various degrees, depending on a multiple of factors. Hybrids are also commonly referred to as Hybrid-Electric Vehicles, or HEV's.
Many hybrids can run on purely their electric motor at slow speeds (electric-only mode), but the gas combustion engine "kicks in" at higher speeds and/or rates of acceleration. In other cases, the electric motor may be an auxiliary power source, providing an added horsepower boost in situations such as passing and climbing. Many hybrid cars these days also incorporate Regenerative Braking, in which the resistance from braking forces is used to recharge the electric motor's battery.