Volkswagen is definitely gearing up for its hydrogen-powered vehicle class and it kicks things off by launching the VW Tiguan. This automobile is uses a hydrogen fuel cell and it’s no secret that it will become the standard bearer for the manufacturer when it comes to fuel efficiency. The VW Tiguan looks like any kind of SUV out there and the only thing that separates it from regular vehicles is that it uses hydrogen-powered fuel cells instead of gasoline.

Basically, there are only two VW Tiguan vehicles in the world right now. That’s because this concept vehicle has not been fully developed yet by Volkaswagen. When you look under the hood, the VW Tiguan can generate as much as 134-horsepower and 175 lbs-ft torque. Apart from that, it can reach a top speed of 93 mph and it can accelerate from 0-60 miles in only 14 seconds.

The great thing about the VW Tiguan is its ability to store energy. That’s because it has hydrogen storage tanks that are made of a tough Kevlar composite. These containers can allow as much as 3.2 kilograms of hydrogen which is compressed under 10,000 pounds per square inch. Another amazing feature is that it uses more durable lithium-ion batteries that last for years without having to be replaced.

It will take several more years for the VW Tiguan to be finally launched on the market. However, it will surely be a dominant force in the fuel-efficient vehicle class once it is launched. Right now VW is still tinkering with its mechanics and technology, so it can be mass produced in the future.

For decades, we humans have been depending on oil. From hunting furry animals for thousands of years, the discovery of oil jumpstarted boosted our civilization to amazing heights. Before you make a flag and declare everlasting human domination out on the street; you should know that oil dependency has real and bad implications.

1.Oil Dependency= Catastrophe

Millions of people use oil everyday and as the population grows, so does the need for more oil. Joe Shmoe would say that there’s no real cause for concern because there’s so much of this stuff somewhere in the Arabian peninsula. However, that’s no longer the case. That’s because oil supplies are dwindling fast, while the demand just grows higher by the day. There will come a time that we will reach a point called peak oil. When this happens, oil becomes scarce, its price will skyrocket, and an energy crisis will be underway.

Well that’s still not enough to be called a doomsday scenario, but it certainly is going to that direction. When petroleum finally hits the plateau and starts declining, there are several aspects of modern life that will be affected and these will be transportation and agriculture. Take these two out, add a little bit of anarchy and you’ll have a perfect recipe for a dish that nobody wants to eat—disaster.

Brace yourself for the big ooomph

2.The American Role

Our beloved US of A is the largest importer of oil in the planet. Is that a good thing? Well, not really if you consider several facts. Basically, the United States is the largest oil consumer right now. If you crunch down the numbers, the US imports a staggering 13.5 million barrels of oil daily, 20 percent of that number comes from our dear friends in the Arabian world, particularly the Persian Gulf.

Joe Shmoe would ask, “So what’s wrong with that?”. Well not much, until you factor in the reality that you need to get oil from unstable places in the world. In short, there’s more conflict in a day in the Middle East that than your neighborhood has had in the last 150 years. Seriously, American oil dependence on oil from the Middle East will spell trouble, when push comes to shove. Oil is a very good political tool, when things get awry between our country and the US, oil is a very good pawn in winning the chest match.

3.Oil Dependency=Nasty Cycle

Anyone with half a brain will say that we can just use alternative energy right now. Although we’re already headed to that direction, using alternative energy is more expensive and less cost-effective than traditional fuel sources. With increasing oil prices, more and more manufacturers have resorted to alternative energy. In fact, some cars these days have already been modified to lessen gas emission and to become fuel efficient. However, the sad truth remains: oil dependency is a vicious cycle and it will take quite a while for it to be completely eradicated. That’s because oil has been there for decades that it’s not easy removing from the equation overnight.

4.Oil Dependency is the Wrecking Crew of Mother Earth

We probably know this thing since grade school days: oil is one of the biggest reasons why the environment is being damaged at breakneck speeds. The truth is: when oil combustion byproducts are released to the atmosphere, it can cause serious health problems. Additionally, these gases trap the sun’s rays, therefore preventing it to escape, which makes the Earth’s surface hotter. Does the term global warming ring a bell?

We only have one, so let's take good care of it, shall we?

5.Mmmm Let’s Talk about Solutions

There’s no need to be desperate though, especially with how automakers have responded by creating more fuel-efficient vehicles. If we end up using more green cars, oil dependency will exponentially decrease. However, these green automakers have to make these vehicles cheaper first. For sure, all pieces will fall into their right places once they become more affordable for the people.

Buying gas-saving components and even overhauling entire engines have become the trend these days. The truth is, every American out there has done his or her part trying to make their vehicles more fuel efficient. From electric cars, hydrogen cars, and even solar vehicles; almost every option has been explored.

Take a close look at an NZEV

Then again, there’s another option that most drivers have not looked at yet and that’s using Near-Zero Emission Vehicles or NZEV. Basically, NZEVs are automobiles that use gasoline as fuel, but release very little or zero emissions at all. Compared to other green vehicles that look like they just came in from outer space, NZEVs look like regular autos.

If you’re planning to have your very own NZEV, there are a few things you need to know and here they are:

What Exactly are NZEVs?

Well, NZEVs are not yet space cars that run on zero fuel. However, it’s one of the classes of vehicles that still rely on gasoline, but limiting its emissions to near zero. That’s good news if you’re going to ask Mother Nature, especially with how much dirt there is in the environment these days.

Umm, an NZEV is umm. Wait lemme check my manual

What are the Standards Used?

For the record, any kind of vehicle can be considered NZEV, even the one that has been sitting in your garage for 20 years. You just have to tinker with its engine components and that’s it. That means it does not have to look like an egg on four wheels to be put in this category. Technically, every NZEV must fit the standards of the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles and it should not have any kind of evaporative components. The truth is, these vehicles are really sophisticated as far its emission systems are concerned. In short, it’s so green and environment friendly that you’ll be putting those smoke-belching vehicles in shame, once you flaunt it on the road.

They’re Not Always Available

Well, if there’s a chink in the armor of the NZEV, it’s the fact it isn’t as available as buying other kinds of cars. You’d probably encounter a Toyota Prius more often than you would an NZEV. Unfortunately, NZEVs cannot be found in all states and you can only find them in selected places like California, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Well that’s a very limited pool you have there, but you can always give these places a visit if you really want to try an NZEV for a change.

A Simple Thought

The truth is, NZEVs have been around for a while. Well, not as far back as the last Ice Age but you get the point. The one thing that hinders from being a major part of our roads is that very few states have laws regarding NZEVs. These kinds of vehicles might no cost you a fortune, but manufacturers have to spend more money in making sure that its emissions are controlled. The end result is that they spend more, while not getting any kind of incentives for doing so. In short, they’re not very popular because not many manufacturers are willing to spend money on something that won’t be financially rewarding.

Owning an NZEV is a great way of cutting down your fuel expense and emissions. The best thing is, your ride does not have to look like a spaceship because all it takes is a little tinkering on the exhaust and engine systems.

So you want to go green this year? These days there are many options if you want go for fuel efficiency and less emissions. One of the most obvious choices would have to be natural gas, because they are cheap and they extend your money for miles. However, before you buy a NG-powered vehicle, it’s better if you know some facts first about how it works and what kind of fuel it uses.

What is natural gas?

Natural gas is basically a combination of hydrocarbons with a little methane. It is also considered as one of the cleanest, safest, and efficient sources of energy right now. This is possible because natural gas has the highest hydrogen-to-carbon ratio of any type of hydrocarbon. That means it produces lesser greenhouse gases, thus less hazard to the environment and human health. Basically, there are no fundamental differences between gasoline-powered vehicles and natural gas vehicles. That’s because both types need the air to mix with the fuel before being fed to the cylinders. After which, the fuel is ignited by the spark, which lets the piston to move the pistons up and down. This repetitive action is the one that powers a vehicle that uses natural gas.

How is it stored?

Most natural gas vehicles use compressed natural gas or CNG. As its name implies, the fuel is stored inside vehicles under pressures that reach 3000-6000 lbs./square inch. If not compressed, natural gas can also be used in liquefied form or liquefied natural gas or LNG. In order for this work out, it first must be cooled down to several hundred degrees and must be contained inside thermal tanks. Basically, LNG is better than CNG because it requires less room for storage. The lesser the space it occupies, the better the space will be maximized for the vehicle.

How does it work?

Compared to diesel and gasoline vehicles, natural gas vehicles use closed systems in order to prevent fuel from escaping. Aside from that, it uses pressure-fit nozzles that lock fuel receptacles, thereby preventing the gas to escape. Because no gas escapes the engine, every bit of the fuel is used, unlike that of gasoline or other fuels.

What About Natural Gas Stations?

Every prospective natural gas vehicle buyer needs to ask about how natural gas stations function. Basically, natural gas is taken from the gas plant at very low pressures, before it will be compressed and placed inside storage tanks at very high pressures. Two kinds of things are needed for fueling natural gas and these are fast fill and time fill. The former uses a large compressor and a high-pressure container tank, while the latter uses a smaller compressor that takes an hour to be filled.

How does the engine work?

When you start a vehicle that uses natural gas, the gas flows from the storage cylinders to the fuel line. When the gas is nearing the engine, it needs to pass through the regulator in order for the pressure to be reduced. After which, it will be fed to the fuel injector and the cylinders.

Overall, these are the basic things that you need to know if you really want to try driving a CNG-powered vehicle. These vehicles have special needs and you need to know the details about them so you can enjoy their full benefits.

The title does not seem believable at first, especially if you’re talking about a brand-new car. However, the Revolution electric car is really only 15,000 dollars each and on top of that, it uses electric power instead of gasoline. Unlike other EVs, the Revolution definitely attracts a lot of attention these days with its sleek design and powerful colors.

Basically, the Revolution comes from California and it is designed for those who are into low cost and low speed NEVs or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles. When it comes to speed, the Revolution can go as fast as 35 mph. That’s not necessarily impressive, but electric cars like the Revolution are prohibited from going faster that that, so there’s really not much that you can do about it. Despite of its low speed, the Revolution is excellent for daily commutes and city errands for short distances.

So how well would the Revolution perform on the road? This car is a perfect fit for your daily driving needs because it cuts down emissions, saves you money, and makes your driving more efficient. When it comes to performance, the Revolution has a five-speed manual transmission and clutch. The manual transmission provides you with more freedom when you’re driving in bumpy roads, while carrying additional load as well.

The design of the Revolution also makes it a very attractive option for prospective NEV buyers. Basically, this car has a two-door design that provides enough protection against road debris and changing weather. Even at a very low price of 15,000 USD, it still comes with power windows, door locks, power side mirrors, well-designed bucket seats, an adjustable driver seat, and one full-size spare tire. If you want more than just that, you can avail of an air conditioner, sunroof, stereo, and DVD player at an additional price. Overall, the Revolution comes in a great package and the great thing is that you don’t even have to dig deep into your pockets to get it.

Meanwhile, the Revolution may appear like a blown-up toy, but in reality, it performs like a real car that is designed to take a beating. That’s because it boasts of an independent MacPherson strut suspension and LSEV legal lighting. That’s not all because it has a hydraulic front disc that would let you to stop without any problems. Despite of the car’s diminutive size, the car is very easy drive because of its electric-assisted power steering. Because of this, getting out of tight situations is effortless. In addition to that, the Revolution’s acceleration is good enough to keep it in step even in heavy traffic.

Just like all NEVs, the Revolution is all about the battery that propels it forward. The car uses a 6 KW brushless AC induction motor that is powered by 12-volt Hoppecke batteries, which can go as far as 60 miles. The great thing about the Revolution is that you can recharge it from 3-6 hours using any 110-volt electric outlet. The manufacturers of this car claim that each battery lasts for more or less 40,000 miles before being replaced. Unlike other batteries, the Revolution’s lead acid batteries are cheaper and easier to replace unlike the lithium-ion battery packs that other NEVs have. However, if you’re not content with its current batteries, you can upgrade to a lithium-ion version by coughing around 3900 USD.

Unlike most NEVs, the Revolution has enough space for some cargo and that means you can use it when you’re buying grocery supplies. You can put your cargo in the rear compartment that you can access through a two-piece tailgate arrangement. For sure, the Revolution is a good alternative if you’re sick and tired of spending so much money for your gas bills. At 15,000 USD, this car is a steal.

The electric car trend has really hit a full swing all over the world. However, most Asian manufacturers have really taken advantage of this, making the region the hotbed for electric vehicles. When it comes to Asian automakers, Korea has a lot to offer in this category and the new kid on the block is a company called CT and T. Compared to other automaker giants, CT and T only focuses on a particular niche of the green car market. That’ because the company is entirely into electric-powered vehicles, which are more popularly known as EVs.

Meanwhile, the CT and T company has been making golf carts for years. However, it saw the opportunity to expand because of all the seriousness that has been given to electric cars. With that being said, the said company took a full step forward by launching its very first EV called the E-Zone. Basically, the E-Zone is a microcar that has only enough space for two adults. Nevertheless, its compact body makes you safe inside if collisions do occur. It has standard airbags and its aluminum frame makes it tough despite of its small size.

The E-Zone boasts of a four-wheel independent McPherson suspension system, which uses hydraulic disc brakes and electromagnetic regenerative braking. With that being said, you can stop on a dime once you’re inside this EV. In short, you won’t worry about screeching tires that can’t stop when you need them to. When it comes to power, this vehicle has a 72-volt AC motor that can bring you to as far as 75 miles. However, just like all EVs, the E-Zone can only go as fast as 25 mph. Although it’s faster than a golf cart, you can’t expect to be inside a racing oval and win. Then again, the E-Zone is fuel efficiency and that is where it is really good at.

On the other hand, the very first E-Zone cars have already been brought to the island of Fiji for observation. Because of that deal, the company has inked a business partnership with the Fiji government that will put up a plant over there. This same plant has a potential to create as much as 10,000 E-Zone cars every year.

Meanwhile, there are still no plans of massively distributing the E-Zone all over the world. The latest word is that the company will first market this car in Korea, before being distributed to Australia and New Zealand. However, once it gets its bearings going, there’s no reason to believe that it will not be as successful as the other automakers out there.

So who’s going to buy the E-Zone? Right now, the company already has a partnership with the Daejon police force. In short, patrol cars in that place will now be using electric power. Also, the E-Zone is already being used in some parts of China and had been showcased in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

There is no doubt that the E-Zone car has a bright future ahead of it. It’s easy to recharge and it uses high-quality batteries that last. Heavy-duty batteries are important for EVs because they serve as their lifeblood. Lastly, unlike other electric cars, the E-Zone is not expected to cost that much. The E-Zone is another alternative to those people who want zero emission and efficient traveling all around the city.

Global warming, rising fuel costs, and all that drama has really forced automakers to manufacture an alternative to gasoline-powered cars. The result is the hybrid vehicle that surely makes everything nuts these days. That’s because hybrid cars have everything that you want to cut costs and reduce emissions. So if you’re a first-time buyer of a hybrid vehicle, what are the things that you should know? Should you instantly jump to it and push the button?

Hybrid lessens emissions

Right now, there is a great deal of debate linking vehicle exhaust and global warming. Some experts think that there is no direct evidence suggesting that vehicle emissions are the cause of global warming. However, one thing is for sure and that is the fact that cars have emitted so many noxious gases over the past decades. For sure, having a hybrid car is one of the best ways to get out of the pollution bandwagon.

Hybrid cars come in many different styles

In the past, hybrid cars don’t look like your regular car on the road. That’s because they have bulky engine mechanisms that needed bigger space inside the engine compartment. In short, hybrid cars weren’t taken seriously because gas prices were still very much available back then. These days, anything can happen and rising prices forced people to take a better to look at what hybrid cars can bring to the table. Basically, hybrid cars of today come in many different body styles, which make them look like regular gasoline-powered cars out there. However, the big difference lies under the hood, because it’s usually heavier and far more complex.

Hybrid cars are more expensive

Now for a car that promises you to save on gas and help Mother Earth, why are hybrid cars so expensive? The fact is, a hybrid car is a special car that does not have the regular pieces of every gasoline-powered vehicle. You have to factor in the cost of the batteries, modifications, engine, and even the transmission system. With these things more complicated, the price of a hybrid car is definitely higher. The good news is, there are indications that the high-priced hybrid days are soon to be over. That’s because researching and the continuous mass production of its components will eventually drag down its prices over time. Meanwhile, just like everything else that is new, hybrid cars are new creatures and in the world of technology, anything new is high priced. Fortunately for us consumers, it does not stay that way forever.

Hybrid cars use fuel that does not cost that much

Hybrid cars are very attractive because they can put your fuel economy to new heights. In fact, most hybrid cars can extend your mileage to several miles using only a gallon of fuel. Because of that, most manufacturers claim that you can cancel its exorbitant prices even after only two years. That’s the advantage of hybrid cars, you buy them at a higher cost, but you can eventually take back that money by spending less on fuel.

More manufacturers, more hybrid cars

It’s simple economics really, the more manufacturers of hybrid car, the lower their prices will be. These days, there are so many hybrid manufacturers in the mix such as Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan, and Saturn. These manufacturers compete to give the customers the best possible product and to accomplish that, they need to sell it a lower price. Economics works for everything including cars and I would not be surprised that after several years, hybrid cars can compete with gasoline-powered cars at the same price.

Norway is known for so many things and if you’re a fan of electric cars, you should never overlook this place. That’s because Norway gives loads of exemptions in taxes, tolls, and parking tickets to its citizens who drive electric cars. Because of these policies, Norway has some of the biggest electric-car manufacturers such as Th!nk and more recently, Kewet. Both of these manufacturers have competed for a niche in its automotive industry and they have become largely successful.

Kewet has had a long history in Norway that included many ups and downs. However, it was eventually bought by a company called Kollega Bil A/S Norway in 1999, salvaging its electric car technology in the process. Because of that, the sixth generation of Kewet has been launched just recently and it promises to offer more features than its predecessors. Basically, the Kewet is only sold in Europe, but there are also plans to sell it in Europe, Asia, and North America. If ever, the Kewet can really give other EV manufacturers a run for its money in the future.

So what’s all the buzz that makes the Kewet such an attractive option for electric car lovers? The Kewet is actually big enough to allow three adults to fit inside and aside from that, it has enough space for eight bags of groceries and two cases of beer. In short, the Kewet has a bigger interior space than most electric cars out there. Bigger interior only means that you have more space to put bring the things that you want whenever you’re on the go.

When it comes to performance, the Kewet is not very far behind from the leading electric car manufacturers out there, in fact it may even be better in some aspects. Firstly, it has a range that can cover 30-60 miles and more importantly, its lead-acid batteries are maintenance free. The Kewet can also reach as fast a 50mph and that is even faster than most electric cars right now. When you talk about acceleration, the Kewet can go from 0 to 30 mph in just over seven seconds. In short, this electric car may not be as fast as your traditional, gasoline-powered cars, but it isn’t a complete liability on the road either.

Just like every other electric car, charging the batteries is the main concern for a Kewet owner. The good news is that it’s designed to be charged in only 3 hours if you still have at least 30 percent battery left. However, if your battery becomes fully empty, you need 6-8 hours to replenish all the power that it has lost.

Meanwhile, the Kewet has a 13 KW electric motor that drives the rear wheels through an automatic electric gear shift transmission. On the other hand, this car uses fiberglass reinforced polyester that makes it light and tough at the same time. Compared to other cars, it only weighs 1727 lbs. and that already includes all the batteries and electric components.

The Kewet car is also equipped with a 2.2 KW paraffin heater because it can get really cold in Norway. In addition to that, the car also comes with standard features like a radio, CD player, sunroof, ski rack, and even a bike rack. Another impressive feature is that it can even tow cargo that is worth 440 lbs.

This EV is one of the cheapest in the market today and for sure, it will make a big splash once it hits the European and American markets.

Everybody loves a Mini, whether you’re a big fan or not. That’s because it’s the consummate symbol of style and elegance, embodied in four wheels. For decades, the Mini has been a staple of different roads for decades using only gasoline power. This time around, this iconic model will soon have an electric version that will be out in the street, albeit for a limited period. That’s because BMW has finally announced that it will be leasing the Mini E Electric Car to select people and use the results of that lease period to eventually perfect the Mini E Electric Car. The Mini E Electric Car is not yet available to the public, but at least it’s a step towards the right direction.

Basically, the Mini E Electric Car is powered by a 204-horsepower electric motor that is tucked comfortably underneath the hood. When it comes to torque, the Mini E Electric Car can generate as much as 162 lbs-ft, while being able to accelerate to 60 mph in only 8 seconds. Its top speed is not pretty bad at 95 mph for an electric car. Of course, you would expect that it is 800 lbs. heavier than the traditional Mini Cooper because of all the electric wirings and gadgets that are needed to make electric power feasible. BMW says that it’s almost perfect and I would not be surprised if this becomes the future of electric cars.

Just like most electric cars, the first that everyone would talk about it its the range. Fortunately, the Mini E Electric Car isn’t that limited in this category, since it has enough gas, I mean power to cover 150 miles using its superb lithium-ion battery. The Mini E Electric Car has its electric power transferred to the motor at a rate of 380 volts. You won’t have any trouble charging because it will only take two hours and 30 minutes to have the battery fully recharged. That’s a significant improvement because most electric cars take at least hours to be fully recharged.

Meanwhile, the Mini E Electric Car’s suspension allows it to have superb agility, drivability, and control. That’s because it uses a unique Dynamic Stability Control system that is designed to distribute the weight of the Mini E Electric Car properly. Just like any other electric cars, the Mini E Electric Car has a standard air conditioning system. However, you don’t have to worry about the power that you have to spend when you turn it on because the Mini E Electric Car is designed to minimize consumption.

Compared to other electric cars out there, the Mini E Electric Car uses regenerative braking wherein the motor itself acts as a generator, once you let go of the accelerator pedal. With this feature, you can expect the driving range to increase by as much as 20 percent. When it comes to design, the Mini E Electric Car has a metallic, dark paintwork that makes it stand out on the road. The best thing about its appearance is that it does not look that different from the traditional Mini Cooper. In fact, it’s simply a small car that happens to run wild in electric power.

Meanwhile, the Mini E Electric Car uses a battery level indicator instead of the conventional tachometer. This indicator tells the power consumption that is indicated in red and the power recuperation in green.

Although not yet sold in the market, the Mini E Electric Car will be leased to 500 select private and corporate customers in one year. This contract will include all the necessary maintenance that will be handled by BMW’s staff and technicians. After one year, all the cars would be returned to BMW to be checked and repaired.

It will take several years before this electric vehicle becomes fully available to the public. However, BMW is upbeat about its potential and the possibilities that it brings to the table.

We now know that gasoline-electric hybrids have so many to offer on the table by simply minimizing your fuel costs. They are more efficient than their gasoline counterparts and they just have so much potential in the market right now. Basically, hybrids have better performance, range, and flexibility compared to their rivals. Then again, not all hybrid vehicles are the same, which is the reason why I singled out the most versatile hybrid vehicles that are available today. Read on and know what Hybrid cars deserve to parked nicely inside your garage.

1. Toyota Prius ( MPG: 48 City/45 Highway)

The Toyota Prius is definitely a shoo in this list, because everybody knows that this car is the measuring stick for all Hybrid vehicles out there. The Toyota Prius provides the daily transportation needs of anyone who uses it. That’s because it’s a five-door hatchback that can carry people and cargo at the same time. Of course, it 45-48 MPG is downright serious as well, which allows you to make the most of every gallon of your fuel. Not mention that it looks as good as any other topnotch hatchback or sedan right now. The Toyota Prius is definitely in a class of its own in the hybrid industry right now. It looks good, it feels right, and it kicks ass when it comes down to the single most important thing: fuel economy.

2.Nissan Altima Hybrid ( MPG: 35 City/33 Highway)

Just like Toyota, Nissan will never be left far behind in the scrumptious hybrid market right now. With that being said, it’s expected that Nissan launches the so called ultimate family sedan, which happens to be the Nissan Altima Hybrid. The best thing about this hybrid car is that it can operate exclusively using electric power, albeit at a slower speed. Basically, it has a QR25 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a 40-horsepower electric motor. When both of them turn it on, you can expect at least 198 horsepower from the Nissan Altima Hybrid. That does not even end there, because it can generate zero emissions while extending the life of a 20-gallon fuel for 700 miles. Indeed, if the Toyota Prius is a God, then the Nissan Altima hybrid is a demi-god.

3.The Ford Escape Hybrid ( MPG: 34 City/33 Highway)

The Ford Escape Hybrid is the ultimate SUV for all green vehicles out there. Unlike the first two that offer panache, the Ford Escape Hybrid brings both toughness and style to the table. Basically, this SUV has a hybrid powertrain that enables it to perform like a workhorse, while sipping fuel like a small car. When it comes to performance, the Ford Escape Hybrid has a 2.5-liter engine and a 17-horsepower increase from its previous models. Is it safe to say that Ford has started to catch up? Right now, people from from Ford still have a long way to go before reaching the place where Toyota belongs. But technology can turn really fast, so don’t be surprised that this once gas-guzzling giant becomes a lot greener than the rest.

4.The Honda Civic Hybrid ( MPG: 40 City/45 Highway)

The Civic is arguably the most popular car in the world today, next to the Toyota Corolla. With that being said, it didn’t hurt that another Asian giant, which is Honda to tinker it a little bit to make it greener. The result was a huge success and the Honda Civic Hybrid has become the best green cars of today. Basically, the Honda Civic Hybrid uses the famed Integrated Motor Assist full hybrid system, which combines a 1.3-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 20 horsepower permanent magnet electric motor. When it comes to creature comforts, the Honda Civic Hybrid has enough room for five people. What’s even more impressive is that it’s great for your daily commute and even for the weekend out-of-town trips for the family, without even caving in to pressure.

5.Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid ( MPG: 21 City/22 Highway)

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is the biggest hybrid in this list and it’s the best choice if you want to haul big, while keeping your fuel consumption low. Basically, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is 6,200 lbs. in weight while still managing to have a significant MPG rating. In addition to that, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is 50 percent better than the model that it has succeeded when it comes to fuel efficiency.