By AT Contributor at 16 May, at 03 : 49 AM Print
The last six months have seen a significant increase in the number of hybrids being purchased, and there are now more than two million of them on US roads. This is still less than one percent of all passenger vehicles, according to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics. While gas prices have been increasing, it is not this factor that is behind the boom in sales but the fact that there are more hybrid models than ever for consumers to choose from, as manufacturers add hybrids to their product lines. Of the more than 274,000 hybrids sold in the US in 2010, 25 percent were domestic North American and Mexican manufactured vehicles, while the rest were predominantly Asian imports.
Not all hybrids are equal. Manufacturers are researching and developing multi-faceted approaches to producing more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sound vehicles, combining technologies, fuels and propulsion systems in a variety of ways to optimize the outcomes. Hybrid gas-electric cars are the most common type currently in production, increasing conventional gas engine efficiency with the addition of an electric motor and rechargeable batteries, which are controlled by an on-board computer that automatically switches between gas and electric power, as dictated by traffic conditions and the manner in which the car is being driven. The least popular of the hybrids at this time are ethanol-powered vehicles, because E85, ethanol-based fuel derived from agricultural waste and feedstock, is not widely available. While the Department of Energy claims there are 2,000 E85 fuel stations in the US, the majority of them are located in Minnesota and Illinois.
Top 10 ?Green Cars?
Trusted car authority Kelley Blue Book has released its list for Top Best Green Cars of 2012. Unsurprisingly, Toyota leads the pack with its latest gas-electric Prius model, the Toyota Prius c ? a smaller version of its trademark Hybrid Synergy Drive system comprising a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor paired with continuously variable transmission. With a city rating of 53 miles per gallon, 46 miles per gallon on the highway and a 50 miles per gallon combined rating and weighing in at only 2,500 pounds, this lightweight is showing its definitely no lightweight when it comes to fuel efficiency.
- 2012 Toyota Prius c
- 2012 Nissan LEAF
- 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
- 2012 Chevrolet Volt
- 2012 Honda Civic
- 2012 Volkswagen Passat
- 2012 Lexus CT
- 2012 Hyundai Elantra
- 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2012 Scion iQ
However, conventional combustion-engined cars should not be dismissed when it comes to energy efficient, value-for-money vehicles, and number eight on Kelley?s list, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra is a good reminder of this. Once dominated by Honda and Toyota, the energy-efficient, gas consuming, small car business has become highly competitive, with the likes of Nissan, Chevrolet, Ford and Hyundai claiming increasingly bigger stakes in the market. The only solely gas-powered vehicle in Kelley?s Top Best Green Cars list, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra is ahead of the competition, because of what the automotive press claims is its well-roundedness. Featuring the much in demand sleek styling, quality bodywork and oem rims that consumers are demanding today, and high fuel economy ratings of 29 miles per gallon city and 40 miles per gallon highway, this model is hard to beat. Complete with Hyundai?s signature Active Eco System that modifies engine and transmission control to give a seven percent improvement to its fuel economy, good reliability and sufficient cabin and trunk space to compete with many mid-size sedans, its $15,000 standard price tag is very appealing. Naturally, the model comes with wide-ranging optional extras including keyless access, an upgraded audio system, factory Hyundai rims and a navigation system.
Article by Originalwheels.com. If you?re one of the people that decided to go with the Hyundai Elantra check us out if you?re looking for?Hyundai Wheel upgrades.
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