New Electric Hybrid Cars

New electric hybrid cars are popular among consumers seeking a fuel efficient offering; their initial price is a bit more than a conventional vehicle, but the fuel savings a consumer derives over time, in conjunction with reduced emissions, makes new electric hybrid cars highly desirable.

Facts About New Electric Hybrid Cars

New electric hybrid cars differ from conventional vehicles; a gas operated car has a single fuel tank that once filled with power the gas operated motor.  The motor in a gas powered car then powers the transmission so that the vehicle can be propelled forward or backward.  With gas/electric hybrids, the vehicle usually has a lithium ion or a NiHM battery pack; this battery gets energy from regenerative brake systems and when the vehicle accelerates.  The kinetic energy is converted into usable energy to power the included electric engine.  The electric engine will activate the transmission so the vehicle can move, and the vehicle has automatic switch features that switch the power back and forth between the gas engine and the electric motor whenever it is necessary to do so.

With new electric hybrid cars consumers can minimize the amount of pollution that their car creates; can refuel the vehicle with ease, and they get plenty of power so they can achieve appropriate speeds on the road.  There are many new electric hybrids that can conquer a distance of 300 miles before they have to be refueled. It is the electric motor that lowers car emissions, reduces the amount of money spent on fuel, and gives the consumer additional savings over the long term operation of the vehicle.

New Electric Hybrid Cars For 2011

2011 Nissan Leaf

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is offered in to trims: the SV and the SL; the SL is a four door vehicle with a hatchback body.  This vehicle has a starting MSRP of $33720.00, and it gets 106 mpg city/92 mpg highway/99 mpg combined.  The SV is also a four door hatchback vehicle offering the same miles per gallon, but the SV has a slightly lower starting MSRP of $32780.00.  This hybrid offering is a competitive vehicle within the compact vehicle segment.  The SL has an invoice price of $32923.00; this vehicle can seat as many as five individuals and the four door body makes for ease of egress and ingress.  This vehicle has zero emissions; it is powered by the coupling of a 24kWh battery pack made of lithium and an electric motor.  Safety specs in the Leaf SL include traction control, stability control, seat belt pre-tensioners, and six airbags.  The car has not yet been rated by J.D. Power for quality, since it was introduced to the market in late 2010.  For full details on the new Nissan Leaf for 2011, visit http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/index.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

The Chevrolet Volt is also proving to be a coveted hybrid for the 2011 year.  The Volt is offered as a four passenger vehicle with a hatchback configuration.  This vehicle is a plug in hybrid vehicle that gets 90 mpg highway/95 mpg city/92 mpg combined.  Under the hood of the Volt one will find a lithium ion battery that powers an 115kW electric engine.  The Volt also has a 1.4L gas range extender that produces electricity.  The battery of this vehicle takes about ten hours to fully charge and can be charged from a 120V outlet.  Safety additions in the Volt include stability control, traction control, and eight airbags; if you opt for a premium trim in the Volt, you can also get a rear camera and park assist features.  The car has a starting MSRP of $40280.00 and an invoice price of $38699.00; according to J.D. Power, it gets a predicted reliability rating of 3 out of 5.  For more information on the Chevrolet Volt for 2011 visit http://www.chevrolet.com/volt/.

More New Electric Hybrid Cars For 2011

2011 Smart ForTwo

The 2011 Smart ForTwo is offered as a cabriolet or as a coupe.  The cabriolet is a two door vehicle that gets 79 mpg highway/94 mpg city/86 mpg combined.  This car has as starting MSRP of $47650.00.  This vehicle is new to the market and has not yet been rated by J.D. Power.  The 2011 Smart ForTwo offers zero emissions, is an all electric vehicle, and if you need a compact offering, this vehicle is suitable for two passengers.  The hybrid Smart ForTwo is powered by a 15.5kWh battery made of lithium-ion and a 30kw electric motor.  You can get nearly 85 miles on a single battery charge.  Features in this car include things like antilock brakes, six airbags, and electronic stability control.  These electric hybrid cars are brand new to the market and will be offered to consumers, first as a limited offering; the car maker plans on offering 250 of these hybrids as lease options to Smart employees, fleet companies, and consumers.  For more details visit http://www.hybridcars.com/vehicle/smart-fortwo.html.

2011 Tesla Roadster

If you are seeking a pricey sports car and an electric hybrid, you can look forward to the introduction of the 2011 Tesla Roadster.  This car is a convertible with a 2 door configuration.  It has a starting MSRP of $109000.00.  The Roadster is a two seater with rear wheel drive.  It does not produce emissions and requires no gasoline to operate; this vehicle has a lithium ion battery that can be charged through a 220V or an 110v outlet.  Under the hood one will find a 375D AC-induction, electric engine that is air cooled.  The engine offers up 248 horsepower and you can cover a range of 200 miles before requiring a recharge.  Features in this sporty vehicle include things like leather seating, iPod connectivity, power windows, a CD player, alloy wheels, keyless entry, a navigation system, Bluetooth® features, a backup camera, and more.  For more details visit http://www.motorauthority.com/topics/tesla_roadster,tag-hybrid.