The American engineer Victor Wouk is credited to have invented the first modern hybrid engine for vehicles in the 70s. He once said that, spurred by the America’s passing of the Clean Air Act, he was inspired to establish a company and start his research on what is now known as a hybrid car.

Thirty years have passed since Mr. Wouk has invented a prototype. Today, there are more than a handful of car companies who are actively taking Wouk’s work into better models. Here are some of examples of notable hybrid car models.

Chevrolet Tahoe is an SUV-type vehicle launched by General Motors in 2008. Its engine is powered like the Prius, with a rechargeable battery for energy storage. Its sales surprised reviewers, as it had been popular with car enthusiasts and owners all over the world.

Ford Escape Hybrid was released in America in 2004. Its reception was fairly above average, with 2007 sales of 21,000 vehicles.

Toyota Prius was released in Japan in 1997. It is a parallel hybrid car, using electricity and petroleum as driving fuels. Its popularity is testified by its sales: it is estimated that around one million cars are hitting the roads all over the world.