The History of Hybrid Technology

2000
Toyota released the Toyota Prius, the first hybrid four-door sedan available in the United States.

2002
Honda introduced the Honda Civic Hybrid, its second commercially available hybrid gasoline-electric car. The appearance and drivability of the Civic Hybrid was (and still is) identical to the conventional Civic.

2004
The Toyota Prius II won 2004 Car of the Year Awards from Motor Trend Magazine and the North American Auto Show. Toyota was surprised by the demand and pumped up its production from 36,000 to 47,000 for the U.S. market. Interested buyers waited up to six months to purchase the 2004 Prius. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. President Jim Press called it "the hottest car we've ever had."

In September, Ford released the Escape Hybrid, the first American hybrid and the first SUV hybrid.

Read all about hybrid technology at the site below. Its long history may surprise you.

http://www.hybridcars.com/history/history-of-hybrid-vehicles.html