Chevrolet Volt
GM has been creating buzz about the Chevy Volt ever since the plug-in car was unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.

It’s getting difficult to find an automaker that hasn’t jumped into the hybrid fray. What started as a green-car battle between perennial rivals Honda and Toyota in 2000 has turned into a multi-way grab for a slice of eco-car market share. Since then, the segment has cast its net much wider than the original Insight and Prius customer.

Hybrids aren’t just for tree huggers anymore. In fact, even high-end-SUV enthusiasts (Escalade Hybrid) and luxury-sedan shoppers (Lexus LS 460 h) can appease their consciences with hybrids. Whether you shop domestic or foreign, luxury or economy, you’re bound to run into new dedicated hybrids, like the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, or hybrid models added to existing vehicle lineups, like the Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid.

2010 Fisker Karma

2011 GM 2-Mode Plug-in

2011 Chevrolet Volt

2012 Toyota Prius

2013 Ford Escape Hybrid
So what’s next? There’s a new green-car race--the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, PHEV. Who will be the first to release a mass-produced, commercially available plug-in hybrid vehicle? The timing may still be up in the air, but several contenders have thrown their hats into the ring.

Fisker Automotive, a new car company founded in 2007 and based in California, may swoop in for the win. A production-ready version of its Karma PHEV sedan debuted at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. General Motors started major buzz in 2007 when the Volt concept was revealed in Detroit. Slated to go on sale as a 2011 model, the plug-in extended-range electric vehicle should be available at the same time as GM’s other plug-in, the yet-to-be named new 2-Mode vehicle. Heavyweight Toyota could follow with a plug-in version of the popular Prius. Ford is testing a PHEV version of its Escape that could be ready for retail sale in 2012.  

08.24.2009