If you drive a hybrid, you may have noticed the brakes seem to last forever. That is real - hybrid brake pads often outlast a conventional car's by a wide margin. Here is why hybrid brakes last longer.
Regen does most of the work
Hybrids slow down largely through regenerative braking, using the electric motor as a generator - see how regen braking works. Because the friction pads only step in for harder or lower-speed stops, they wear much more slowly than pads on a gas-only car; see how long pads last.
Less heat, less wear
With regen absorbing most of the braking energy, the friction brakes generate far less heat - see why brakes get hot - and heat is a major driver of pad and rotor wear. Front pads especially benefit, since the front normally does most braking; see why front brakes wear faster.
What still wears out
Hybrid brakes are not maintenance-free. Rotors can rust from light use, calipers can seize, and brake fluid still ages and absorbs moisture on the normal schedule; see brake fluid change interval. Low-use rotors sometimes need cleaning more than replacing.
Keep inspecting
Even if the pads last for years, have the brakes inspected regularly for rust and sticking. When they finally wear, fit quality pads and hardware.