Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of internal combustion engines and electric motors.  Such a combination and can be configured to obtain different objectives, such as improved fuel economy, increased power, or additional auxiliary power for electronic devices and power tools.

Some of the generally accepted energy benefits of hybrids are:

1. Regenerative Braking. The electric motor applies resistance to the drivetrain causing the wheels to slow down. In return, the energy from the wheels turns the motor, which functions as a generator, converting energy normally wasted during coasting and braking into electricity, which is stored in a battery until needed by the electric motor.
2. Electric Motor Drive/Assist. The electric motor provides additional power to assist the engine in accelerating, passing, or hill climbing. This allows a smaller, more efficient engine to be used. In some vehicles, the motor alone provides power for low-speed driving conditions where internal combustion engines are least efficient.
3. Automatic Start/Shutoff. Automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and restarts it when the accelerator is pressed. This prevents wasted energy from idling

The AuraGen unique architecture provides the ability to use the system as both a generator and a motor. The system is being used today on hybrid vans as a starter motor to start the vehicle engine and then turn into a generator to provide power for charging the batteries and other usage. Aura is also developing a 30 kW starter/generator system for military applications under a government contract.

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The AuraGen is used both as a started motor and generator on numerous hybrid vehicles developed by Azure Dynamics on a Ford E350 chassis. 

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Some of the applications are for FedEx, Purolator and AT&T hybrid Vans