King of the Hybrids: Who Can Dethrone the Mighty Prius? | Tiny Life ...

The Toyota Prius has evolved into an automotive pop icon for hybrid vehicles; it?s the go-to car for environmentally-conscious consumers. As demand for sustainable energy rises, more car manufacturers are investing in electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid technology. A multitude of hybrid and electric autos are soon set for release, but will the new kids on the block supplant the Prius? hybrid dominion?

Chevrolet Volt

The 2013 Chevrolet Volt continues its reign as GM?s most technologically advanced vehicle. The Volt?s lithium-ion battery allows drivers to travel gas-free for an EPA-estimated 38 miles. An onboard gas generator produces electricity that grants 380 total miles of travel on a full charge and full tank of gas, as Chevy states on their website. Amenities include Bluetooth, OnStar and satellite radio along with a host of other impressive features.

The Volt comfortably seats four in its cloth-upholstered interior and drives with nary a sound. The innovative and sales-boosting electric powertrain will run on the hyrbrid?s gasoline engine if you never plug it in, according to The Car Connection. The latest Volt arrived at Valley Chevy dealers, such as Freeway Chevrolet, in August.

Ford C-Max

Ford?s high-mileage hybrid hatchback is about to make a big splash in the fuel-efficient vehicle pool and poses as direct competition to the Prius. The front-wheel-drive C-Max outshines the Prius with its EPA-estimated 47-mpg combined rating. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor outperforms Prius? powertrain by 54 horsepower, The Car Connection states. The SmartGauge digital display system with InfoGuide screens allows the driver to set up information on energy consumption and to view the C-Max?s operations.

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

The Volkswagen (VW) Jetta Hybrid made headlines earlier this year when a modified version of the car was labeled the world?s fastest hybrid. The Jetta Hybrid boasts impressive specs: 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a 27-horsepower electric-motor system. VW estimates the Jetta Hybrid will claim an EPA combined rating of 45 mpg. The Jetta will hit 60 mph from zero in less than nine seconds, according to CarandDriver.com. A trio of aero modifications reduce drag by 10 percent.

Tesla Model S

Tesla?s all-electric, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan flaunts a sporty lightweight-aluminum body and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. With an EPA driving range of up to 265 miles while producing zero emissions, the Tesla Model S is a green blessing. Inside, the Model S comfortably seats five adults on microfiber and synthetic-leather surfaces. When it?s time to recharge, plug in at absolutely any outlet to get your Model S back on the road.

Guest post by? Nicole Henderson Back in the late 1980s, Nicole?s first car was a 1968 Chevy Camaro that leaked a quart of oil a day and had a broken gas gauge. Now she drives a hybrid and writes about the car industry.

Source: http://blog.farmorganix.com/2012/12/king-of-the-hybrids-who-can-dethrone-the-mighty-prius/

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