A power source for a hybrid vehicle is provided which can protect its
electric motor driving circuit from being damaged by a back electromotive
force generated in a motor. The back electromotive force generated in an
electric motor is detected by a high voltage detector circuit and
converted by a step-down circuit into a low voltage which is then stored
in a low-voltage second battery. Accordingly, as the back electromotive
force does not become excessively high, it will be prevented from
damaging a switching circuit. Also, the back electromotive force
generated in the motor is charged in the low-voltage battery and can thus
be supplied to a control circuit or any other component, contributing to
the reduction of the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle. The back
electromotive force can alternatively be diverted for charging a
medium-voltage third battery.