Chevy Volt

The upcoming Chevrolet Volt 230 will be the chart topper as it is said to give you 230 miles per gallon in the city. This number can be played with due to the interaction of the electric and gas portion of the car. For the first 40 miles of the charge, the car will run completely on electricity, after that, the gas power kicks in more and more as the mileage ticks off. If you drive less than forty miles a day, this car could definitely be your new best friend, though the price tag for this car will exceed $40,000.00. You’ll have to save a lot of gas in order to make up the difference in cost.

3rd Generation Prius

The next car on the chart is the 3rd generation Toyota Prius, coming in at $22,000.00, this car will be much more attainable than the Volt. It retains its familiar shape though it has been sleeked up a bit and is essentially the same size. The gasoline engine is a little stronger than the predecessor and there have been other upgrades also that gives this car a 51/48 mpg respectively. Toyota has addressed the faults of the previous year, giving the vehicle a more rigid chassis and upgraded electric assist steering. The new Prius also has an optional self parking system. Solar powered ventilation systems are also available on some models, an affordable car that continues to work hard towards eco-friendliness.

Honda Insight

Eco friendly car number three is the Honda Insight re-enters the race with a base price tag of $23,550 and the fully loaded Insight EX that includes all sorts of goodies such as a navigation system, costs only slightly more than the bare bones Prius. This little car sports an Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system that starts with a 1.3 liter four cylinder gasoline engine with 88 horsepower and 88 pound feet of torque. The electric motor generates another 13hp and 58 pound feet of torque, this will move the Insight up to 30 mph without the help of the gas engine. When the gas engine does kick in, it’s a seamless transition that doesn’t cough and rumble. The braking system also acts as a recharging system, sending charge to the battery whenever the brakes are applied. This car gets approximately 40/43 respectively

Ford Escape Hybrid

Coming up next in line is the Ford Escape Hybrid which is the first SUV style eco friendly vehicle on the list. The Escape Hybrid has been on the market for five years now and those five years have filled Ford with experience and knowledge that is in turn rolled back into the next version of the vehicle. This is another vehicle that will have a ‘park assist’ system which automatically steers the vehicle into a suitably sized parking space. The fuel economy for this vehicle is 34 in the city and higher on the highways, this makes it the most fuel efficient SUV on the market. The Hybrid model of the Escape starts at $31,500. What this vehicle is fighting is the Honda CR-V fully gas powered and the Toyota RAV4 fully gas powered which are all around better vehicles and turn in a respectable 20mpg combined fuel economy at a much lower ticket price.

Honda Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic Hybrid is the next one to step up as one of the first members of the Honda Hybrid lineup. This is a small family sedan and serves well for a couple with young children. This little sedan is powered by a 1.3 liter i-VTEC 4 cylinder engine with integrated motor assist and a permanent magnet electric motor, producing 110 horsepower and 45 mpg on the highway, controlled by a continuously variable transmission. It is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system to ensure your tires are always at the correct inflation to give the best gas mileage. The base price of this hybrid is $23,800.00 making it an affordable green solution.

Ford Fusion Hybrid

The 2010 Ford Fusion is the first US hybrid that sports a fully functional gasoline-electric powertrain, the Fusion can even run in full electric mode with the air conditioner on. This little family sedan delivers 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway driving. This spunky little sedan starts at $27,270.00 so it won’t drain the pocketbook as much as many competitors. The Fusion Hybrid is equipped with a 2.5 liter four cylinder gasoline engine producing 156 horsepower and is paired with an electric motor that raises the horsepower to 191. Power is transferred to the wheels by a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Lexus HS 250h

In the luxury field you could have guaranteed that Lexus would have their bid in and they do with the HS 250h which is base priced at $34,200. This little luxury sedan delivers 35 mpg combined driving through a powertrain that is from the Camry Hybrid though it’s platform is unique to it alone. When you drive this vehicle you will have no doubt you are driving a luxury car, it’s ride, lack of cabin noise and nimble handling combined with just about every luxury feature possible as either standard or optional, will leave you with no doubts.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

If you have a need for even more luxury and you have the pocketbook healthy enough to support it, you may want to take a look at the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid. This sporty little hybrid is due to be released some time in 2010. The price tag is expected to range between $44,000 and 123,000 making this a very expensive green machine. Full specs on this vehicle are only speculation at this point and full knowledge of it’s capabilities won’t be realized until those specs become available.

Mercury Milan Hybrid

The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid is available sporting two gas/electric engine options, one being a 2.5 liter in-line four and the peppier 3.0-liter V6 version. On electrical power alone this vehicle can hit 47 mph which is the fastest electric only speed for any hybrid currently on the market. It is equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission and delivers 41/36 mpg city, highway respectively. This vehicle base prices out at $31,235 making it one of the more expensive eco friendly cars but is well worth the look.

Nissan Altima Hybird

The last car on the list and quite possibly the least is the Nissan Altima Hybrid. This vehicle is Nissan’s first bid to run in the hybrid race. Equipped with a NiMH batter pack designed by Panasonic, the Altima is currently a bit of a mix and match concoction of parts and pieces from Ford and Toyota. This hybrid has limited availability which will make getting parts harder than the rest as well as making service in general a bit harder to come by. The overall design of this vehicle is basically the same as the non hybrid Altima. There is a rumor that the 2012 Altima will have a completely new design so you may want to wait for the 2012 model before considering this vehicle.

• Engine: Inline 4 Atkinson cycle aluminum block and heads, 2.4 liters, Dual cam 4 valves per cylinder with continuously variable valve timing with intelligence.
• Electric motor: front high output, permanent magnet electric drive.
• 187 combined hp.
• 0-60 in 8.4 seconds.
• Top speed (electronically limited) 112 mph.
• Fuel economy 35/34.
• Transmission is electronically controlled continuously variable.
• 0-60 at 8.7 seconds.

Lexus HS-250h Overview:

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h comes in two trim levels, the base and the premium. The base model comes with 17 inch alloy wheels, fog lights and a sunroof. The side view mirrors are heated and there is a keyless ignition / entry system. This vehicle is equipped with full power accessories, leather upholstery and an automatic dimming rearview mirror. The front seats are power, ten way for the driver and eight way for the passenger. The steering wheel is both tilt and telescoping and contains audio controls. The climate control is dual zone and the speaker system is equipped with ten speakers and a six disk CD changer. Satellite radio and USB/iPod connections as well as Bluetooth are also all standard.
The Premium edition comes with even more creature comforts and the plus of being able to set all your personal settings with the touch of a button. The Audio system and hard drive navigation system are both top notch and there is even a technology package and camera package.
Lexus aficionados are already touting this little dream car. People are very excited about not only the comforts and technology of the car, but they are also excited about the environmentally conscious aspects of the car that will also go a long ways towards saving them on gas money.
Click here for the official Lexus HS 250h homepage.

Specs:

Engine: 2.5 liter Atkinson Cycle I-4 hybrid engine with late intake valve closing and processor technology.
Permanent magnet electric motor powered by nickel metal hydride battery.
Combined power 191 hp.
Mileage 41 city 36 highway.
0-60 in 8.7 seconds.
Regenerative braking system.

Milan Hybrid Overview:

The Mercury Milan Hybrid comes in only one trim level. This level includes 17 inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and fog lamps. The vehicle is equipped with cruise control as well as keyless entry and a keypad code exterior access. The climate control system is dual zone and automatic. The steering wheel is leather wrapped, tilt and telescoping.

Both front seats are power, the driver seat is eight way controllable while the passenger seat is six way controllable, the upholstery on all seats is cloth.

The navigational system is hard drive based and voice activated, it includes DVD audio and video capability, 10 gigs of digital music storage and a Sirius Travel Link that provides real time traffic, weather and other information.

The ‘Driver’s Vision’ package adds a blind spot warning system as well as a rearview camera and a cross-traffic alert. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are also an option.
People that look for the comfort of a sedan enjoy the Mercury Milan, it is efficient in size and space while still making the occupants feel comfortable. The Hybrid version of this vehicle is being met with curiosity and eagerness by the car buying public.

Specs

• Engine: 2.5 liter Atkinson Cycle 1-4 sequential multi port electronic fuel injection.
• Permanent Magnetic AC Synchronous Motor powered by 275 volt nickel metal hydride.
• 191 combined hp.
• Electronic Continuously variable transmission.
• Mileage 41 city 36 highway.

2010 Ford Fusion Overview:

The Fusion Hybrid comes with Electric Power assist steering and a regenerative braking system. It also has a very handy reverse sensing system. The Fusion hybrid is available in three different trim levels.

The Fusion is filled with all sorts of conveniences including multiple storage spaces, drink holders and comfortable seating that is constructed of Earth-friendly cloth fabric made from 85 percent post-industrial materials which are polyester fibers that would otherwise have ended up in landfills The driver seat is eight way power adjustable, while the passenger seat is manually adjustable. There is optional leather trimmed heated seats available for those that are very comfort minded. It even features a 110 outlet for a regular power plug.
The car buying public is being presented with so many different choices in the hybrid market these days that they’re not positive which way to turn. The Fusion is meeting with positive reactions from consumers as they trade in their non energy efficient models for these well appointed, well made environmentally friendly vehicles.

Click here for the Ford Fusion homepage.

Specs

• Engine: 2.5 liter DOHC 16 valve four cylinder with Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) on intake valves.
• 158 hp at 5,200 to 6,000 rpm.
• Electric motor: Permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor with 650 Volt and 40 hp maximum output, powered by a Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery.
• Maximum combined 198 hp.
• Gas Mileage 35 city 33 highway.
• 0-60 in 7.6 seconds.

Altima Hybrid Overview:

The Nissan Altima Hybrid is a sedan vehicle that is available in only one trim level. This level includes 16 inch alloy wheels and full power accessories. It is equipped with a tilt/telescoping steering column and a keyless ignition and entry system. The climate control is dual zone and automatic.

The sound system contains six speakers and a CD player with an auxiliary audio jack. The instrumentation found in this vehicle is unique to the hybrid model.

Options available for this vehicle come in three major packages. The Convenience Package includes an eight way adjustable power driver’s seat, automatic headlights, a rear spoiler and a leather wrapped steering wheel with integrated controls for the audio system. The Connection Package includes turn signals that are integrated into the outside mirrors, leather heated front seats and rear air conditioning vents.

The Audio Package features a Bluetooth connectivity and a nine speaker Bose audio system with an in dash six CD/MP3 changer and satellite radio. The Technology package includes a navigation system with real time traffic information, a rearview camera and a hybrid energy and fuel flow readout. The only major stand alone option is a sunroof.

The Altima already has a strong following and many of these people are preparing to take the next step in environmentally sound transportation. Along with these people are many that are ready to trade their non hybrid sports sedan in for this comfy alternative.

Specs on this vehicle are somewhat still speculative but here are the basics.

• Engine: direct-injected Audi 3.0-liter V6.
• Electric motor: 240-cell nickel-metal-hydride battery that produces a peak 288 volts.
• Another electric motor functions as a starter/generator and will mount between the engine and transmission.
• The transmission: 8 speed automatic without torque converter.
• The vehicle will be equipped with what Porsche calls the ‘hybrid manager’ that coordinates the power sources.
• The transmission/clutch assembly will drive all four wheels.
• This vehicle is expected to go 0-60 in 6.5 seconds with combined gas mileage of 27 mpg.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid Overview:

The Porsche Cayenne Hybrid isn’t available as of yet, however the vehicle layout will be front engine, all wheel drive, set up for five passengers as a 4 door SUV. Under normal acceleration, the vehicle responds basically just like the standard Cayenne. If the vehicle is not pushed, then it moves forward silently under electric power, more throttle makes the combustion engine kick in.

Through the navigation display you will see whether you are running on electricity, gasoline or a combination of both. As the vehicle drives, the charge level will shift a bit as it self charges while the engine is engaged or the vehicle is going down hill.
To the Cayenne enthusiasts, it remains to be seen whether this vehicle will stand up to the standards set by the gas powered Cayenne they are already driving. The consumer public is holding its opinions, probably until after they get that first test drive.

• Engine Type: In line 4 cylinder aluminum alloy 8 valve SOHC i-VTEC with multi-point fuel injection putting out 110 hp at 6000 rpm.
• Electric motor: Permanent Magnet Motor outputting 20 hp powered by a Nickel Metal Hydride battery outputting 158 volts.
• Continuously variable transmission.
• Mileage is 40/45/42.
• 0 to 60 in 13.5 seconds.

Civic Hybrid Overview

The engine in this little vehicle is so efficient that it isn’t scheduled for a first tune up until it has covered one hundred thousand miles. It is a front wheel drive vehicle that comes standard with a direct ignition system with immobilizer.

This little car isn’t going to impress you with how it plasters you in your seat when you press down on the gas pedal, but that’s not the point of this vehicle.
The Civic Hybrid features an automatic climate control system and has an available satellite linked voice recognition navigational system with Bluetooth hands free link. Standard are the power windows with an automatic up and down on the driver’s window. It comes with power door locks and an auto-lock feature. If the available leather upgrade is ordered, the steering wheel will get a perforated leather-wrapped treatment. The steering wheel also has wheel mounted control systems, it tilts and is also telescopic. This little car has many comfort and convenience features standard and there are also upgrades available to customize your vehicle to your desires.
Honda has built a large base of loyal customers that wouldn’t think of purchasing anything but a Honda, these folks are happily signing up to purchase their first Honda hybrid. They are confident that this little vehicle will stand up to the quality and reliability they are used to in Honda products.
Click here for the Honda Civic Hybrid homepage.

• Engine: Aluminum double overhead cam 16 valve (with variable valve timing intelligence) 4 cylinder gasoline engine, 1.8 liters.
• Power output is 98 hp @ 5200 rpm.
• Electric power provided by a pair of Permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motors (one for propulsion, the other for electrical systems generator).
• Propulsion motor puts out 80 hp.
• The Prius clocks 0-60 in 10.1 seconds.
• MPG city and highway 51/48.
• Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

Overview

The third generation compact vehicle classified Prius comes as a four door sedan in multiple colors for either interior or exterior. It is equipped with an ll.9 gallon gas tank and has seating capacity for five.

The 3rd generation Prius is available in four trim levels, the levels are II through V respectively. The II will receive 15 inch alloy wheels and full power accessories, keyless ignition, cruise control and a few other accouterments. The III adds Bluetooth and an eight speaker upgraded stereo with six CD changer. The IV adds exterior locking buttons for keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver lumbar adjustment and auto dimming mirror. The V adds on 17 inch alloy wheels, foglamps and LED headlamps with auto-leveling and washers. There are even more options available for this vehicle, depending on how much money you’d like to spend.
The Prius, having already been on the road for a while has garnered both loyal customers and jaded owners. Many Prius owners are ready to hand in the keys to their old Prius in favor of the all new, feature packed new Prius. The market has gotten tougher so many people are doing their homework before running out and putting money down on this familiar vehicle.

Click here for Toyota’s Prius homepage.

• Engine: 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Engine.
• Two permanent magnet AC synchronous motors powered by 330 volt nickel metal hydride battery.
• Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable.
• 153 hp at 6,000 rpm.
• Front Wheel Drive rated at 24/31 mpg.
• Four Wheel Drive rated at 30/27 mpg.
• 177 combined hp.

Ford Escape Hybrid Overview

This has been and continues to be the most fuel efficient SUV hybrid on the market. When the vehicle is in full acceleration, both power sources are utilized while under stop and go traffic conditions, the vehicle is able to alternate between power sources. The only real down side to this vehicle is that the air conditioning compressor cannot run while the vehicle is in all electric mode.

This vehicle comes in many different optional configurations and colors. It actually registers as being slightly quicker than it’s fully gas propelled four cylinder counterpart. The main difference between the Escape Hybrid and the regular gas powered Escape is that the hybrid carries 300 pounds more in weight and you can feel it in the response times.

When it comes to the hybrid SUV market, the Escape doesn’t really have much in the way of competition, for that reason, green conscious SUV enthusiasts are waiting with trade-in keys in hand in order to get hold of the new Escape Hybrid. The Escape is already receiving all sorts of positive attention from the SUV buying public because of it’s reliable past and promise of the future.

Click here for Fords Escape Hybrid homepage.

• Engine: 1.3 liter four cylinder gas engine producing 88 hp.
• Electric motor powered by nickel metal hydride battery pack producing 13 hp.
• Tops out at 98 hp.
• 0-60 in 10.9 seconds.
• Rated at 40/43 mpg.

Honda Insight Overview

The 2010 Honda Insight EX earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) 2009 “Top Safety Pick” award, the organization’s highest honor. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job in their class of protecting vehicle occupants involved in front, side, and rear crashes based on ratings in IIHS crash tests.

The Insight is a four door hatch back that is available in two trim levels. The base level is LX and the higher level is the EX. The LX comes standard with 15 inch steel wheels and full power accessories, it has automatic climate controls, tilt and telescoping steering column and height adjustable driver’s seat as well as a four speaker CD system.

The EX replaces the steel wheels with 15 inch alloy wheels and adds side mirror mounted turn signal indicators, stability control, cruise control and variable intermittent wipers. It also adds steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and a six speaker audio system with a USB port and fully integrated iPod connection. An option available for the EX only is a voice activated navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity.

Many people that were considering purchasing a Prius have switched their attention and curiosity towards the Honda Insight. This car is garnering a lot of attention from green minded consumers that are looking for alternatives to Toyota’s hybrid.

Click here for Honda’s Insight homepage.