How does the hybrid engine in the BMW i8 differ from traditional engines?

I am interested in the technical details of the BMW i8's hybrid engine. How does it work and how is it different from traditional gasoline engines?

The BMW i8 uses a combination of an electric motor and a gasoline engine, allowing for improved fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. This differs from traditional engines which rely solely on gasoline.

In the BMW i8, the electric motor and gasoline engine work together to power the car, providing an additional boost of power and reducing the strain on the gasoline engine. This helps to prolong the life of the engine and improve overall performance.

One key difference between the BMW i8's hybrid engine and traditional engines is that the electric motor is used to start the car and can even provide power for short distances on its own. This can be useful in situations where you want to use less gasoline or when driving in stop-and-go traffic.