The Next Wave Of Green Cars

Honda crz hybrid– On sale now

Honda’s newly launched hybrid sports coupe costs between $19,200 and $23,210, making it the most affordable hybrid on the road.

Hyundai sonata hybrid – On sale soon

Hyundai hasn’t yet announced the price of this hybrid version of its hot-selling new Sonata mid-sized sedan. But with an improving quality reputation and its claim to have the most fuel-efficient lineup in the country, Hyundai likely will polish that image with this car.

Lincoln mkz hybrid – On sale now

Lincoln says its first hybrid gets 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, best in the luxury car segment. It priced the car identically to the gasoline-powered version, at $35,180.

Porsche cayenne hybrid – On sale now

This hybrid version of Porsche’s biggest seller promises 24 mpg, which is a huge improvement over the 13 city and 19 highway mpg for the V-8 version. At high speeds, the engine shuts down, allowing the car to “sail” using only electric power. Pricing starts at $67,700, about $4,000 more than the Cayenne S with a gas engine.

Lexus ct 200h – Due in 2011

It’s aimed at a younger, Gen-X crowd, and will likely be priced under $32,000.

kia optima hybrid – Due in early 2011

Kia’s first hybrid, it uses the same powertrain as Hyundai’s Sonata hybrid and promises 40 mpg in the city.

VW Touareg hybrid – Due in December

The hybrid is one of three powertrains available on the small SUV. With the hybrid model, a 3.0-liter supercharged, direct injection V6 gasoline engine is paired with a special electric motor that reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by about 40%.

VW Jetta hybrid – Due in 2012

A redesigned version of the Jetta debuted this fall. The hybrid version comes out in 2012.

Chevrolet Volt – On sale now

General Motors’ extended range electric vehicle travels about 40 miles on electricity, but has a backup gasoline motor to recharge the battery for longer distances. It sells for $41,000, or $33,500 after a federal tax incentive.

Nissan Leaf – On sale now

The first mass-market EV will get the equivalent of 99 miles per gallon, according to the EPA. It can go about 100 miles between charges, which Nissan says suits the driving patterns of about 70% of American drivers. Price: $25,280, after $7,500 tax credit.

Coda sedan – On sale now

This electric car is assembled in California with parts imported from China. It will cost $37,400, after $7,500 tax credit.

Fisker Karma – Due in 2011

This $80,000 sports car is an extended-range EV, which means like the Chevy Volt, it can go 40 miles or so on electricity, before a backup generator kicks in to keep the car going for up to 300 miles.

Ford Focus EV – Due in 2011

The next-generation Focus compact, designed in Europe, goes on sale early next year. The electric version will go on sale in late 2011.

Volvo C30 EV – Due in 2011

The Swedish carmaker now owned by the Chinese is working with an American battery company, EnerDel, whose factory was once owned by General Motors and later, Delphi. The plug-in C30 will be sold in small volumes initially.

Ford Transit Connect EV – Due in 2011

Ford’s popular compact van from Europe will go on sale with an electric powertrain next year, possibly making it the perfect taxi cab.