1. The New Chevrolet Volt
The Chevy Volt is one of a kind in its class and, as Chevrolet puts it, "its sculpted body is an evolution." Indeed, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt continues to maintain its signature look from its first generation to today, with a newer, fresher, update. Its DNA, however, remains unchanged. You also can't beat it's price. It comes out to about $34,000 with federal taxes included. Although its price may seem steep at first, you have to remember it has great mileage. When the gas-powered generator kicks in, it begins to produce the electricity to power the engine, so the Volt has 380 miles with a fully-powered battery and a full tank of gas! Perhaps it is the American classic of the near future?
2. Lexus ES Hybrid
This is the hybrid version of the incredibly popular mid-sized Lexus ES. The Lexus ES hybrid was designed with an emphasis on interior amenities, quietness, ride quality and overall, to be a pleasant luxury vehicle, comparable to a Mercedes Benz C-class, or BMW 3 Series. The Lexus ES Hybrid has a 39-mile highway range and starts at about $40,000. When comparing this car to other similar, non-hybrid cars in its class, the Lexus ES Hybrid definitely has a great advantage simply due to its great mileage.
3. BMW i3
Starting around $43,000, this is BMW's electric city car which can get up to 150 miles on just one charge with the range extender. Great for people who live in cities since its not quite a full-sized car. The i3 has excellent performance and is probably one of the best in the electric vehicle markets, because it is made out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the material used to make race cars. BMW is the first company to mass produce a vehicle made from this material because they realized it would significantly increase the i3's performance and would be key to making it a highly sustainable vehicle.
4. Tesla Model S
Tesla's full-sized, plug-in electric vehicle, has a 240-mile range and starts at around $70,000. Tesla is different from all other major car companies because they sell directly to the consumer; there is no car sales agency you have to go to in order to buy one. The Model S's console looks as if it was taken straight from a science fiction movie. Out of all hybrid and electric cars in the market, this is my personal favorite. In the photos, you'll see why.
These vehicles are but a glimpse of what the market will look like in a couple years; these cars are the future. They're also proof that hybrid and/or electric cars come in all shapes and sizes. You don't need to drive an "ugly" car like a Prius anymore to have a sustainable car, and you also don't have to be a millionaire to buy one.
