Initially, you would think that anyone who’s driving the PUMA is driving an electric wheelchair. A closer look however shows you something more. That’s because the PUMA, which stands for Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility is a two-seater vehicle that intends to allow people to travel faster, especially in today’s crowded streets.

It’s just like the highly-popular Segway, although General Motors tells that it’s cheaper and more energy efficient. Having two wheels, the PUMA is powered by one lithium-ion battery that can be charged in any conventional power outlet. Just like most electric vehicles, it can travel as fast as 25 mph, with a total range of 56 kilometers.

The goal of the PUMA is to let people cover as much space as possible, using very little time. Aside from that, it enables people to thread small areas and cramped city spaces without putting much effort at all. Right now, PUMA is still at the development stage although I wouldn’t be surprised if it performs as good as Segway after it is launched.

I’ve met so many people who ask me about plug-in hybrid vehicles and why they’re better compared to other vehicles. Of course my usual answers include better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and energy diversity. Plug-in green cars are technically known as PHEVs or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Compared to electric vehicles, PHEVs have greater range, without compromising anything in fuel efficiency. Electric vehicles have long promised to extend their range to no avail. However, PHEVs have already covered and they offer great power and speed as well.

I’m not necessarily pitting PHEVs and electric vehicles here. I’m just pointing out that not all green vehicles are created equal. Aside from fuel efficiency and lower emissions, PHEVs are also able to supply electricity other than for propulsion. That means PHEVs can use electricity on various equipment such as power tools, accessories, and lights without sacrificing power and speed.

Despite the obvious advantages though, PHEVs also have limitations. Basically, bigger, stronger, and faster PHEVs need bigger and heavier batteries to get the job done. Also, when batteries become larger, they also become more expensive. Truth is, damaged batteries are hard to replace and that’s reason PHEV owners should take care of this component

I know that the Netherlands is a great place. With its interesting mix of superb people, places, and unbelievable freedom, I would have to say that I want to live there in the future. Aside from the things that I mentioned, the Dutch have also assembled what seems to be the most underrated green car today: the DuraCar Quicc. Though small and a little bit lacking in power, the DuraCar Quicc is even a better option compared to the Tesla Roadster and Pininfarin Blue Car.

Basically, the DuraCar Quicc is a cheap and efficient alternative to conventional vehicles that you know. Capable of carrying a maximum of two passengers, the DuraCar Quicc has a payload of 600 pounds. Aside from that, it can cover a 150-kilometer range, using only a single-charge from its batteries. Compared to other electric cars, the DuraCar Quicc can go as fast as 120 kilometers. Best of all, there’s no way that you’ll be emitting anything once you drive it.

Switzerland is not all about the Alps and the cheese. When it comes to fuel-economy vehicles, the Swiss also can proud of one car called the Hotzi Electric Car. Truth is, I have never been to Switzerland although I would love to have the Hotzi Electric Car in my garage. Manufactured by engineering giant Kruspan Engineering, the Hotzi Electric Car runs using its highly-dependable lithium-polymer battery pack.

Ever since the Hotzi Electric Car has used Lipo batteries from Korea, its single-charge range has increased from 55 miles to a whopping 250 miles. That’s an MPG rating of 250 and you only need to charge the batteries for a couple of hours. Unlike other electric cars that run really slow, the Hotzi Electric Car has a decent speed of 80 mph. So how long does it take to get that 250-MPG range? Well Manufacturers have stated that it only takes an entire night to enjoy a 250-mile traveling range. After that, you can cover that distance and not worry about halting in the middle of nowhere.

When it comes to design, the Hotzi Electric Car is quite versatile. Weighing only 660 pounds, you can still maximize its passenger capacity by as much as four people.