Fisker, electric with a small gasoline-engine generator, had effectively addressed only a sliver of the potential market for his magnificent car.

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The gasoline engine only turns a generator, which charges the battery and sends electricity to two electric traction motors that drive the car.

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Coming in 2012, a hybrid version of the flagship Audi A8 sedan will team a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor generator and self-charging 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to realize an impressive 37 mpg.

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The 1.4-liter gasoline engine under the hood functions as a generator, creating juice for the electric motor.

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The 1.4-liter gasoline engine under the hood acts as a generator after the 16.5 kWh battery is depleted and feeds electricity back to the motor.

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