Hybrid Vehicle Timeline: Existing and New Hybrid Vehicles

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Hybrid Vehicle Timeline

Hybrid passenger vehicle events and models from their origins to new hybrids in the pipeline

1997 \| 1999 \| 2000 \| 2002 \| 2003 \| 2004 \| 2005 \| 2006 \| 2007 \| 2008 \| 2009 \| 2010 \| 2011 \| 2012-2016 Non-US Hybrids \| Concept Hybrids \| "Hollow Hybrids"
1997
1997 Toyota Prius (5 seat compact)
	Toyota launches world’s first mass-production hybrid vehicle, in Japan 37,000 sold in Japan before U.S. introduction in 2000.
1999
2000 Honda Insight (2 seater)
	EPA Estimated MPG: 53 (manual), 47 (auto) EPA Smog Score (10 best): 2 (manual), 6 (auto) Honda releases the first hybrid vehicle available in the United States. Ended production in September 2006.
2000
2001 Toyota Prius (5 seat compact)
	EPA Estimated MPG: 41 EPA Smog Score (10 best): 3 After selling 37,000 units in Japan, Toyota launches the Prius in the U.S. Limits availability to 12,000 vehicles a year in U.S. Ends production in 2003, when it is replaced by the Gen. 2 Prius.
2002
2003 Honda Civic Hybrid (5 seat compact)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 41 (lean-burn), 40 (CA-emissions) EPA Smog Score (10 best): 3 (lean-burn), 9 (CA-emissions) The Civic Hybrid uses lean-burn engine technology for models outside of California to boost fuel economy. However, this technology also increases smog-forming emissions.
2003
2004 Toyota Prius (5 seat midsize)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 46 EPA Smog Score (10 best): 8 The first hybrid midsize car, the second generation Prius was named 2004 Car of the Year by Motor Trend Over 700,000 were sold in the U.S. Ends production in 2009, when it is replaced by the Gen. 3 Prius.
2004
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid (5 seat compact SUV)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-6.5-7.0; Hybrid Value-Good; Forced Features-$$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 29-32 EPA Smog Score (10 best): 9 The Escape Hybrid is the first hybrid SUV and the first American-made hybrid. The Front Wheel Drive (FWD) version achieves a 28 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional FWD Escape. This reduction is lower than the 32 percent reduction of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, but is enough to make the Ford Escape Hybrid FWD the most efficient compact SUV on the market. The Ford Escape Hybrid will be discontinued in 2013 and replaced by a conventional gas-powered Ford Escape with a 1.6-liter “EcoBoost” engine expected to get better highway fuel economy than the current Escape Hybrid.
2005 Honda Accord Hybrid (5 seat sedan)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 27 EPA Smog Score (10 best): 9 The Accord sedan is the first mainstream use of hybrid technology to gain "muscle hybrid" status, boosting performance more than fuel economy. Honda discontinues the Accord Hybrid after the 2007 model year, citing poor sales..
2005
2006 Lexus RX 400h (5 seat midsize SUV)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 26-27 EPA Smog Score (10 best): 8 Toyota brings hybrid technology to the luxury and midsize SUV market, but with a total power output of an excessive 268 hp, the RX 400h falls into the “muscle hybrid” category. Replaced by more efficient RX 450h in 2010.
2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (7 seat midsize SUV)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-7.1; Hybrid Value-Good; Forced Features-$$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 28 EPA Smog Score (10 best): 8 With a 32 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Highlander, the Highlander Hybrid is not only a class leader, but trails only the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Lexus CT 200h, and Ford Fusion Hybrid for greatest global warming emissions reduction among all hybrids. This impressive performance does come with a caveat, however. While the closest conventional counterpart for the Highlander Hybrid 4WD is a six-cylinder gasoline engine, the conventional Highlander is available in a four-cylinder variety.
2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid (5 seat compact SUV)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 27-32 EPA Smog Score (10 best): 7 Ford’s “Tricked Out” version of the Escape Hybrid gets limited 2,000-car production in ‘05. In 2006, production is increased, and a more fuel efficient FWD version is offered. Production discontinued in 2011.
2006 Civic Hybrid (5 seat compact)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Score-7.2; Hybrid Value-Very Good; Forced Features-$$$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 41 EPA Smog Score (10 best): 9 Significantly redesigned in 2006, the new Civic Hybrid boosts mileage and reduces emissions while providing more “pep.” The 2011 Civic Hybrid obtains a 29 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Civic—a solid overall performance, though numerous other vehicles (including the new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid) have now passed the 30 percent improvement mark. Its overall fuel economy matches the Honda Insight, and its relative reduction of global warming emissions are greater than the two-seat Honda CR-Z.
2006
2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid (5 seat midsize)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-6.1; Hybrid Value-Good; Forced Features-$ more... Est. Combined MPG: 33 EPA Smog Score: 9 The Camry Hybrid is the first Toyota hybrid to be built in America (Kentucky). In 2009, the Camry Hybrid achieved a 27 percent reduction in global warming emissions (compared with the conventional Camry); in 2011, the reduction dropped to 21 percent. While still ahead of the Nissan Altima Hybrid’s 18 percent reduction, the Camry Hybrid trails both the Ford Fusion Hybrid (33 percent) and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (30 percent) by an increasingly significant margin.
2007 Lexus GS 450h (5 seat luxury sedan)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Env. Score-4.5; Hybrid Value-Good; Forced Features-$ more... Est. Combined MPG: 23 EPA Smog Score: 8 Compared with the GS 460, the 2011 GS 450h achieves only a 13 percent reduction in global warming emissions, despite downsizing from a 4.6-liter V8 engine to a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This is less than half the global warming emissions improvement than that of its cousin, the Lexus HS 250h (over its own conventional counterpart), and half that of its more direct competitor, the Infiniti M Hybrid.
2007
2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid (5 seat midsize)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-5.7; Hybrid Value-Good; Forced Features-$$ more... Est. Combined MPG: 33 EPA Smog Score: 9 Nissan enters the hybrid market with the Altima Hybrid. Using Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, the 2011 model obtains an 18 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Altima. The Altima Hybrid falls short of the reduction achieved by many of its peers, including the Toyota Camry Hybrid (21 percent). While the Altima Hybrid was near the top of the non-luxury sedan class when it was first released, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have since surpassed the Altima Hybrid’s performance by achieving global warming reductions of 30 percent or more.
2008 Lexus LS 600h L (5 seat luxury sedan)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-4.1; Hybrid Value-Very Poor; Forced Features-$$$$$ more... Est. Combined MPG: 20 EPA Smog Score: 8 In contrast to the rest of the hybrid vehicles in the Lexus fleet, which achieve Hybrid Value ratings ranging from “Good” to “Superior,” the 2011 LS 600h L has far and away the lowest Hybrid Value rating of all hybrid models on the scorecard—“Very Poor.” In fact, a customer could purchase the conventional LS 460 AWD and use the nearly $32,000 hybrid technology premium for the LS 600h L to buy a Lexus CT 200h. This exorbitant cost is further exacerbated by the LS 600h L’s meager 10 percent global warming emission reductions. Even in this high-end vehicle, this kind of cost differential helps to perpetuate the stereotype that hybrid technology is cost-prohibitive.
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (8 seat full-size SUV)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-4.3; Hybrid Value-Poor; Forced Features-$$$$$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 21 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 6 The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is the first full-size SUV hybrid on the market and the first vehicle of any kind to use GM’s two-mode hybrid system. Although the conventional Chevy Tahoe 2WD saw a small improvement in fuel efficiency over 2010, the 2011 Tahoe Hybrid remained constant at 21 mpg. As a result, the 2011 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid 2WD achieved a lower global warming emissions reduction (19 percent). The Tahoe’s impressive two-mode, full-hybrid drivetrain could have been used to bring far more to the table. Instead, GM failed to fully capitalize on hybrid technology and used an upsized 6.0-liter V8 engine.
2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid (8 seat full-size SUV)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-4.3; Hybrid Value-Poor; Forced Features-$$$$$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 21 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 6 Like most vehicle “twins,” the GMC Yukon Hybrid is nearly identical to the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. While the conventional model of the GM Yukon 2WD actually saw a small improvement in fuel efficiency over 2010, the Yukon Hybrid 2WD remained constant at 21 mpg. As a result, the 2011 Yukon Hybrid 2WD achieved a lower global warming emissions reduction (19 percent). The Yukon Hybrid 2WD’s impressive two-mode, full hybrid drivetrain could have been used to bring far more to the table as the first full-sized hybrid SUV. Instead, GM failed to fully capitalize on hybrid technology and used an upsized 6.0-liter V8 engine.
2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid (5 seat compact SUV)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Env. Score-7.4; Hybrid Value: Medium-Forced Features-$$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 28-32 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 7 Tribute is based on Ford Escape Hybrid drivetrain. Includes a built-in tire pressure monitor. Production discontinued in 2011.
2008
2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid (8 seat full-size SUV)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 21 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 6 Employing GM’s two-mode system, the short-lived Dodge Durango Hybrid used a muscular 5.7 L V8 Hemi. Production of the Durango Hybrid and its sister model, the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, was discontinued after only two-months of full-scale production.
2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid (8 seat full-size SUV)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 21 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 6 Virtually identical to the Dodge Durango Hybrid, the marginally more expensive Chrysler Aspen Hybrid met the same unfortunate end as the Durango. As models that compromised the efficiency of the two-mode system with massive engines, they became the first green(ish) vehicle casualties of the plummeting fortunes of U.S. automakers. Production discontinued in 2010.
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (8 seat full-size SUV)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-5.0-5.6; Hybrid Value-Very Good; Forced Features-$$$$$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 21 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 6 The luxury SUV Escalade incorporates GM’s two-mode hybrid system. A bright spot for the Escalade Hybrid is that in 2011 Cadillac is charging a modest $3,170 for the hybrid system, which is significantly less than those in many other hybrid SUVs. Despite its poor smog-forming emissions performance (which significantly lowered its Environmental Improvement Score), the 29 percent reduction in global warming emissions puts the Escalade Hybrid 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) in the “Very Good” range for Hybrid Value, the only SUV to achieve that ranking. Unfortunately, bloated "forced features" make the premium for the vehicle very steep.
2009
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid (full-size pickup)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-3.7-4.3; Hybrid Value-Very Poor-Good; Forced Features-None more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 21 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 6 GM is charging $4,389 for the hybrid system in the 2011 Silverado Hybrid 4 Wheel Drive (4WD). With a 19 percent reduction in global warming emissions, this gives the Silverado Hybrid 4WD a Hybrid Value rating in the lower-end of the “Good” range. It outperforms the 2WD Silverado Hybrid, which merits a "Very Poor" on value, because of the 4WD's lower hybrid technology cost and slightly better global warming emissions reductions.
2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid (full-size pickup)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Score-3.7-4.3; Hybrid Value-Poor; Forced Features-$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 21 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 6 A virtual twin of the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, the 2011 GMC Sierra Hybrid 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) merits a 19 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Sierra 4WD. This puts Sierra Hybrid 4WD is toward the bottom of the overall hybrid pack. The Sierra Hybrid 4WD does, however, achieve the same fuel efficiency as the Sierra Hybrid 2WD.
2010
2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid (5 seat midsize SUV)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 22 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 8 What we know: Mercedes has released this vehicle with a base MSRP of $55,000, but it is only for limited lease for 36 or 60 months at $659 or $549 per month because Mercedes says it is having battery availability issues. Employing the two-mode system developed in partnership with BMW and GM, the vehicle has a 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and two electric motors. Mercedes is using a battery pack almost half over as large GM’s various Two-Mode hybrids. The all-wheel drive ML450 Hybrid is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine and two electric motors, giving it a total system output of 335 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It is built at Mercedes-Benz's Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant solely for North American consumption. Information on vehicle availability can be found at the official Mercedes website.
2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid (5 seat luxury sedan)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-5.2; Hybrid Value-Superior; Forced Features-None more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 21 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 9 The S400 Hybrid gains a 14 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional S550 . The low smog-forming emissions of the S400 Hybrid results in an EPA air pollution score of 9 out of 10. One might expect a greater reduction in global warming emissions given that Mercedes-Benz downsized to a V6 engine, resulting in a vehicle that has about 30 percent less horsepower than the V8 engine in the S550. Yet, the Infiniti M Hybrid achieves a 28 percent reduction in global warming emissions without engine downsizing.
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (5 seat midsize car)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-7.8; Hybrid Value-Very Good; Forced Features-$$$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 39 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 9 The 2011 Fusion shows marked improvements to the Ford hybrid drivetrain, with the ability to reach 47 mph in pure electric mode, and a more seamless shift from using electric to gasoline engine power. The fuel economy compares favorably to the Camry Hybrid.
2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid (5 seat midsize car)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 39 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 8 Offering the same mechanical package as the Ford Fusion in a different body, the Mercury Milan is the luxury sedan version of this car, similar to the Escape/Mariner Hybrid split. Production discontinued in 2011.
2010 Honda Insight (5 seat compact car)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-6.5; Hybrid Value-Good; Forced Features-None more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 41 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 9 Undercutting the Prius in price, the totally redesigned Honda Insight provides the only under hybrid option currently on the market for under $20,000. Improvements to the Insight’s mild hybrid drivetrain keep this 5-seat version over 40mpg, but the Civic Hybrid and Prius still top it for fuel economy, and both have significantly more passenger room. Honda has retooled the Model Year 2012 Insight to improve its efficiency and reduce emissions. Debuting at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, Honda claims it has reduced CO2 emissions from the previous model's 108 g/km to a claimed 96, a 12.5 percent improvement. This would put it under the 99 g/km threshold to qualify for European tax exemptions. Undoubtedly the same model will also come to the US market.
2010 Toyota Prius (5 seat midsize car)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-9.2; Hybrid Value-Very Good; Forced Features-None more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 50 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 8 Equipped with new features, the 2010 Prius achieves the highest fuel economy of any car currently on the U.S. market. The new model is bigger, more powerful and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.
2010 Lexus RX 450h (5 seat midsize SUV)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-9.2; Hybrid Value-Good; Forced Features-$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 29-30 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 8 Lexus introduced the RX 450h in model year 2010, replacing its first hybrid SUV, the RX 400h. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) version of this midsize SUV seats five people and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon (mpg), the first midsize SUV to reach that mark. The RX 450h FWD utilizes a more efficient Atkinson combustion cycle in its gasoline engine, which, combined with a hybrid drivetrain, gives it significant global warming emissions reductions.
2010 Lexus HS 250h (5 seat luxury sedan)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-7.0; Hybrid Value-Very Good; Forced Features-None more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 35 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 8 The HS 250h was a pioneer in choosing to downsize the gasoline engine to provide an efficiency and emissions-focused hybrid option in the luxury class. With a 31 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the IS 250, the HS 250h is in the top tier of hybrids for emissions performance The use of a more efficient gasoline engine with the hybrid system provides comparable acceleration performance to the IS 250 (rather than boost acceleration, as is the case with some hybrids) and allows Lexus to achieve a strong environmental performance with the HS 250h.
2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 (5 seat SUV)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-3.2; Hybrid Value-Very Poor; Forced Features-$$$$$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 18 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 6 Compared with the X6 50i, the 2011 ActiveHybrid X6 achieves just an 11 percent reduction in global warming emissions. This pales in comparison to the Lexus RX 450h AWD, which achieves a 31 percent reduction in carbon emissions and an EPA estimated 29 mpg. The ActiveHybrid X6 Hybrid earns an EPA air pollution score of just 6 for smog-forming emissions, whereas the Lexus 450h AWD hybrid merits an impressive 9. These factors combined give the ActiveHybrid X6 an Environmental Improvement Score of 3.2, ahead of only the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid at the bottom of this category. BMW decided to discontinue production of the ActiveHybrid X6 in 2011.
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (5-seat luxury sedan)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-9.5; Hybrid Value-Superior; Forced Features-None more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 39 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 9 For those looking for a luxury sedan, it is hard to ignore the MKZ Hybrid’s 46 percent reduction in global warming emissions over the conventional MKZ. Indeed, many consumers have already noticed this as sales of the MKZ Hybrid have to date exceeded Ford’s own projections. The Lexus HS 250h and Infiniti M Hybrid are next best in the luxury hybrid field, with 31 and 28 percent reductions, respectively.
Dodge Ram Hybrid (Full-size pickup)
	Est. release date: Cancelled What we know: The Dodge Ram Hybrid was supposed to enter the market in 2010 with the same two-mode technology as the Durango and Aspen hybrids. Using a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the two-mode system will increase overall fuel economy by approximately 25 percent. But citing slow sales of Silverado Hybrids, Chrysler executives decided to pull the plug on production in March 2010. Chrysler will still use the Two Mode hybrid transmission to develop a test group of plug-in hybrid electric Rams as part of a $48 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
2011
2011 Chevrolet Volt (4 seat midsize)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: Electric Only-93mpg equiv. -- Gasoline Only-36 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 6 Indicating an entirely new direction for GM, the Chevrolet Volt introduced the first plug-in hybrid vehicle on the U.S. market. GM says Volt can run on electric power alone for 40 miles, though in reality the range seems more in the 25-30 mile range on average. When the battery has less than 30 percent of its charge remaining, the engine will turn on to charge the battery and extend the range of the Volt up to 640 miles. To charge, the Volt can be plugged into a 240-volt outlet for a full charge in less than three hours.
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (5 seat midsize)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-6.8; Hybrid Value-Good; Forced Features-None more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 37 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 9 The Sonata Hybrid’s 37 mpg translates to a 30 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Sonata. This solid overall performance tops the reductions of the 33 mpg Toyota Camry Hybrid (21 percent) and is within range of the 39 mpg Ford Fusion Hybrid (33 percent). Hyundai uses lithium polymer batteries, which Hyundai claims are more durable and space-efficient than both nickel-hydride and lithium-ion batteries. Hyundai’s hybrid system will be used in more of its cars, including a plug-in hybrid that is projected for a 2012 release. The plug-in hybrid will be based on the Blue-Will concept car.
2011 Honda CR-Z (2 seater)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-6.2; Hybrid Value-Very Good; Forced Features-$$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 37 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 9 The CR-Z, which stands for Compact Renaissance Zero, made its debut at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show as a sporty hybrid concept that is fun to drive. The CR-Z achieves a 22 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the Civic Coupe. This amounts to an 8 mpg bump in overall fuel economy. Among other conventional rivals, the sporty Mini Cooper gets an EPA estimated 32 mpg, and the Smart ForTwo Coupe rates 36 mpg. It goes from 0-60 mph in around 10 seconds. For those looking for a little more power, reports have said that Honda is working on a high-performance CR-Z Type R for 2012 release. Honda is looking to increase the current CR-Z’s 113-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder up to 150 horsepower and replace the 14-horsepower electric motor with a larger 50-horsepower unit for a combined output of 200 horsepower for the Type R.
2011 Lexus CT 200h (5 seat hatchback)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-8.6; Hybrid Value-Superior; Forced Features-None more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 42 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 8 With a 43 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the IS 250, the CT 200h is in the top tier of hybrids in this regard, finishing just behind the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (which achieved a 46 percent reduction over the conventional MKZ) and Toyota Prius. This vehicle marks Lexus' return to hatchbacks, and another dedicated hybrid for the Lexus brand.
2011 VW Touareg Hybrid (5 seat midsize SUV)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Score-3.0; Hybrid Value-Very Poor; Forced Features-$$$$$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 21 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 6 At 21 mpg, the Touareg Hybrid gets a measly 2 mpg improvement over the conventional model. The Touareg Hybrid’s 10 percent reduction in global warming pollution is the smallest of any model on the UCS Hybrid Scorecard, even smaller than that of its luxury twin, the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid.
2011 Infiniti M Hybrid (5 seat luxury sedan)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-5.5; Hybrid Value-Good; Forced Features-None more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 29 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 6 Though the M Hybrid is a “muscle” hybrid, it achieves a greater reduction in global warming emissions than some other luxury muscle hybrids. For example, the M Hybrid achieves more than double the emissions reduction improvement of the Lexus GS 450h (13 percent), the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid (10 percent), and the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 (11 percent). Unfortunately, a poorly performing tailpipe emissions-control system severely compromises the smog-forming emissions performance of the Infiniti M Hybrid, earning it an EPA air pollution score of 6. This score, the lowest given to any hybrid, is surprising given the Nissan Altima Hybrid rates a 9.
2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid (5 seat midsize SUV)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-3.7; Hybrid Value-Good; Forced Features-None more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 21 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 6 The Cayenne S Hybrid achieves only 14 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Cayenne S, among the lowest reductions of all models on the Scorecard. In comparison, the Lexus RX 450h AWD manages to accomplish a 31 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with its conventional counterpart. By sacrificing efficiency for acceleration, the Cayenne S is clearly a “muscle” hybrid.
2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 750i (5 seat luxury sedan)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-3.7; Hybrid Value-Very Poor; Forced Features-$$ more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 20 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 6 Compared with the conventional 750i, the ActiveHybrid 750i achieves only a 15 percent reduction in global warming emissions—less than half the reduction achieved by the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and Lexus HS 250h (against their conventional counterparts), but slightly higher than the 2011 Mercedes S400 and the Lexus LS 600h L. The smog-forming emissions performance of the ActiveHybrid 750i, however, falls far short of its competitors. While the S400 and MKZ Hybrid earn an EPA air pollution score of 9 out of 10, and the HS 250h and LS 600h score an 8, the ActiveHybrid 750i earns a score of only 6.
2012 Honda Civic Hybrid (5 seat compact)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 44 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 9 Honda hopes a shift to lithium ion batteries will allow their hybrid technology to improve overall fuel economy at a lower price, better enabling the Civic Hybrid to compete non only with other hybrids, but with conventional vehicles as well. The MSRP for the Civic Hybrid is just over $24,000, similar to the Prius and only $100 more than the previous generation, while boosting its fuel economy from 40mpg to 44.
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid (5 seat sedan)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 37 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 8 The 2011 Optima shares the Hyundai Sonata’s platform, and likely its 2.4 liter, four-cylinder engine. It therefore shares the same 40-hp (30 kW) electric motor as the Sonata Hybrid. The Optima Hybrid began limited availability in the summer of 2011 with wider distribution expect in the fall.
2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist (5 seat luxury sedan)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 29 EPA Smog Score (10=best): N/A GM is using its retooled mild hybrid drivetrain (seen in its original form in the “Hollow Hybrid” Saturn Vue Hybrid and Chevy Malibu Hybrid) in its luxury sedan. Interestingly enough, it is not being called a “hybrid” but instead Buick is calling it “eAssist.” The new mild-hybrid drivetrain is significantly more powerful than the original, most notably using a lithium-ion battery to power the electric motor. With eAssist as standard on the 2.4-liter four in the 2012 LaCrosse, the only other engine offered in that car is a far more powerful 303-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 that gets and EPA-estimated 21mpg.
2012 Buick Regal eAssist: (5 seat midsize sedan)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 29 EPA Smog Score (10=best): N/A Buick has increased its line of its eAssist mild hybrids with a Regal model following the LaCrosse. The car also comes with efficiency monitors that inform the driver about the most efficient settings for the car to increase mileage. Unlike its larger LaCrosse cousin, the Regal does come in two varieties of four-cylinder conventional variants, the manual transmission getting 24mpg, and the automatic getting 22 mpg. The $29,530 MSRP is $2,000 more than base 2.4 liter model.
2012 Toyota Prius V: (5 seat crossover)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 42 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 9 What we know: The larger cousin of the ubiquitous Prius will be the first new vehicle in the now-created Prius family. The new model has more 60 percent more cargo space due to an extended roofline design. Built on the same platform as the current Prius midsize with the same hybrid drivetrain, this vehicle will get a combined 42mpg. A version of this vehicle, the Prius+ (see non-US hybrids), will launch in Europe and has already done so in Japan as the Prius Alpha. This version will have a third row of seating and lithium-ion batteries, but only the five-passenger version will be available in the United States.
2012 Honda Insight (5 seat compact car)
	UCS Hybrid Scorecard Ratings: Environmental Improvement Score-6.5; Hybrid Value-Good; Forced Features-None more... EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 41 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 9 Undercutting the Prius in price, the totally redesigned Honda Insight provides the only other hybrid option currently on the market for under $20,000. Improvements to the Insight’s mild hybrid drivetrain keep this 5-seat version over 40mpg, but the Civic Hybrid and Prius still top it for fuel economy, and both have significantly more passenger room. Honda has retooled the Model Year 2012 Insight, which debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, to improve its efficiency and reduce emissions. The same model is now available in the US with an EPA-estimated combined fuel efficiency of 43 mpg. Honda has made minor interior and exterior tweaks to achieve a 1 mile per gallon improvement on fuel economy. All trim levels received a new updated aerodynamic grill to achieve 1 more miles per gallon. The Insight also continues the tradition of utilizing an 88 horsepower, 1.3 liter, four cylinder engine mated to a 13 hp electric engine..
Audi Q5 Hybrid (5 seat crossover)
	Est. release date: 2011 What we know: Audi is making an unexpected entry into the hybrid market with the introduction of the Q5 Hybrid SUV. Q5 Hybrid sports an air-cooled 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack from Sanyo, which provides the crossover with an electric-only range of approximately 1.9 miles at a maximum speed of 62 miles per hour. The Q5's electric motor is paired with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder gasoline engine. The crossover's electric motor adds another 44 horsepower to the mix and boosts torque to a total 354 pound-feet. While no official fuel economy estimates have been released, Audi promises that the gas-electric hybrid Q5 will be nearly as quick as the conventional V6-equipped Q5 while undercutting the fuel consumption of the base 2.0T model.
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid (5 seat midsize sedan)
	EPA Estimated Combined MPG: 41 EPA Smog Score (10=best): 9 What we know: The newly redesigned 2012 Camry Hybrid features a revised version of the brand’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, including a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 43 mpg. New fuel efficiency estimates represent a more-than-30 percent boost in fuel economy in the EPA city and combined driving cycles, compared to the previous generation, thanks largely to the new hybrid powertrain, but also due to lighter vehicle weight and optimized aerodynamics. This puts the Camry Hybrid back above all other midsize sedans for fuel economy.
Hybrids on the Horizon
2012-2016
Bugatti 16C Galibier Plug-in Hybrid (4 seat sports sedan)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: • What we know: Bugatti CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer confirms that his luxury automaker will be releasing a $1.4 million super car based on the 16 C Galibier concept, which debuted in 2009. The conventional version is said to feature a 16-cylinder engine, and the plug-in hybrid is supposed to have a 25 mile electric-only driving range. No word as to whether the engine for the hybrid will be downsized. Bugatti hopes to sell between 1,000 and 1,500 units over the course of its lifetime.
Fisker Surf Plug-in Hybrid (5 seat crossover)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: • What we know: Fisker has designed crossover hatchback version of its Karma plug-in hybrid and is planning on a releasing the model in mid-2012. The hatchback design provides 29 cubic feet of trunk space, over double the Karma’s 12. Powering the Surf is the same extended-range hybrid system, powered by a 255 hp EcoTec engine from GM (which reportedly could be replaced by a dedicated 3-cylinder) feeding four electric motors that provide up to 400 hp of their own. Despite the size increase, the Surf reportedly only weighs around 80 pounds more than the Karma. The Surf will join the Nina for production in Fisker’s Delaware plant.
Chrysler 300 Hybrid (5 seat luxury sedan)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has said that Chrysler has developed its own hybrid drivetrain technology, and will first use it in production with the 300 model. The conventional 300 gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg. No word yet as to whether this may be using the hydraulic hybrid technology developed jointly with the EPA and tested in Town & Country minivans, or the plug-in technology developed for the Ram pickup test models.
BMW 3 Series Hybrid (5 seat compact)
	Est. release date: Fall 2012 What we know: In addition to its 2012 ActiveHybrid 5, BMW will release a hybrid version of its compact 3-series. It will likely share a similar drivetrain to the ActiveHybrid 5 which is said to feature a six-cylinder engine, eight-speed transmission and a more powerful electric motor (54hp, rather than the hybrid 7-series’ 20hp) for more power and fuel savings.
Buick Verano eAssist (5 seat compact)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: The new compact Verano will be the American version of the Opel Astra, which shares its basic platform with the Chevy Cruze. The Verano will get the same mild hybrid treatment as the Regal and LaCrosse eAssist, with a lithium-ion battery pack and an expected increase in fuel economy of 20 percent. The price premium for the eAssist drivetrain has been in the $2,000 range.
BYD F3DM (5 seat compact sedan)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: China’s BYD Co. has released the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid. The F3DM went on sale to government agencies and corporations in China for the price of about $20,000 in December 2008. The model tested in the U.S. has an all-electric range of approximately 31 miles with a total range of around 340 miles when using its 3-cylinder engine with a 7.4 gallon tank. Unlike other hybrids, the F3DM uses iron-phosphate-based lithium-ion batteries, which are cheaper and can reach 50 percent charge in 10 minutes, and can be fully recharged from a household outlet in 9 hours. The expected price tag for the U.S. model is under $30,000, and with federal incentives may be close to $20,000—by far the lowest-priced plug-in vehicle on the market if that holds true.
Fisker Karma S (4 seat luxury convertible)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: The world’s first plug-in hybrid convertible, the Karma S employs the same Q-drive hybrid powertrain as the Karma. Like that vehicle, the hardtop convertible will also achieve a 50-mile, all-electric range. Customers should expect to pay a premium over the $100,000 Karma for the S.
Chevrolet Malibu eAssist (5 seat midsize)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: After ending production of the disappointing “hollow” Chevrolet Malibu hybrid in 2009, GM has announced that it will employ the improved mild hybrid system being used in the Buick LaCrosse and Regal eAssist in the redesigned Model Year 2013 Malibu. The Malibu itself is being redesigned with efficiency in mind, as engineers have found more than 60 counts of wind drag that have been removed to fine-tune the exterior of the new Malibu for the best aerodynamics possible. Together the aerodynamic tweaks improve the fuel economy of the vehicle by 2.5 mpg on the highway. GM says the eAssist Malibu variant will get 26mpg city, 38mpg highway, 1 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg better on the highway than the Buick Regal eAssist.
Mercedes E300 Diesel Hybrid (5 seat luxury sedan)
	Est release date: 2012 What we know: Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Daimler Group confirmed that Mercedes plans to launch a diesel hybrid version of the E-Class. The new version will be named E300 Hybrid and will be powered by a revised bi-turbo 2.2-liter diesel, currently on E250 CDI, by an electric motor and a set of lithium-ion batteries similar to those on S400 Hybrid. Delays have pushed the E Hybrid back from 2011 to 2012. Given the majority of E Class vehicles are purchased in the United States, there is significant expectation that this variant will be made available here, but it is far from a sure thing given the lackluster sales performance of diesel vehicles in America.
Audi A8 (5 seat luxury sedan)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: Audi introduced its concept A8 Hybrid sedan at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. Audi representatives now say they are ready to bring the vehicle to market. The production version of the A8 Hybrid will will use a 2-liter turbocharged engine combined with a 54hp electric motor that delivers 245hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.The A8 hybrid will be able to travel up to 62 mph on electric power alone--but its electric-only range is less than two miles. Its fuel economy is estimated at about 37 mpg on the European Scale, while its CO2 emissions fall below 148 g/km. European production is confirmed. U.S. availability is still speculative.
2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 (5 seat luxury sedan)
	Est. release date: March 2012 What we know: BMW has produced a production version 5 series that combines the 5 Series’ Twinpower turbo six-cylinder engine, eight-speed transmission and a powerful electric motor for a combined 335 horsepower. Fuel efficiency is achieved using a lithium-ion-high-voltage battery which combines with the combustion engine to power the rear wheels. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is a full hybrid that can operate in electric only mode at low speeds.
2013 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid (5 seat sedan)
	Est release date: 2012 What we know: Honda has reportedly decided to use its new plug-in hybrid application for its Model Year 2013 Accord. Honda might be planning to update the midsized Accord with their new two-motor Earthdreams hybrid system released at the 2011 LA Auto Show. The Earthdreams system uses a high output 120kW, three-mode motor with high efficiency electric powertrain.
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (5 seat midsize)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: Toyota will be bringing its first plug-in hybrid to market in a familiar form. The Prius Plug-in will use a lithium-ion battery pack to enable around a 14 mile electric only driving range at far higher speeds than the current Prius. . When the battery system no longer has enough power to operate alone, it will then run as a traditional full hybrid. The gasoline engine will also assist at higher speeds or heavy acceleration. Toyota estimates combined fuel economy at around 107mpg, and CO2 emissions at 49 g/km, but as with all plug-in vehicles, mileage and emissions will vary widely with driver useToyota plans a run of about 17,000 Prius Plug-ins in the first year. Price estimates are running from the high-$20,000 to high-$30,000 range, before tax credits.Toyota recommends a basic 120V house socket to charge the Plug-In Prius although it is also compatible with a 240V charging connection. Toyota says it plans to make the Prius Plug-in available in March or April 2012 in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington; it will become more widely available sometime in 2013.
Ford C-Max Hybrid & C-Max Energi Plug-in Hybrid: (5 seat crossover)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: Ford is bringing its compact 5-passenger version of the C-Max state-side in 2012 with two hybrid varietals. The conventional C-Max Hybrid combines a two-liter, four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine and lithium-ion battery. The C-Max Energi will be a plug-in hybrid with a similar configuration to the Chevy Volt, as the wheels are powered by the battery with the gasoline engine used primarily to charge the electrical system. Ford has yet to officially declare an all-electric range, but estimates that its total range will be around 500 miles. Ford has decided to make the C-Max a “hybrid only” brand in America, so they have scrapped plans to bring the conventional 7-passenger Grand C-Max to the US.
Porsche Panamera Hybrid (4 seat sports coupe)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: Porsche's new four-door hatchback coupe was launched in 2009 with plans in place to introduce a hybrid version later. Now almost ready for debut, the Panamera Hybrid sports a twin-supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine paired to a 47-hp electric motor. A clutch between the two power sources allows full parallel hybrid capability, decoupling either power source to let the Panamera run on electric or gasoline power alone. The battery is a 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride pack stashed behind the rear axle, under the rear cargo area, reducing storage capacity by around 4 cubic-feet. While there are no EPA fuel economy estimates yet, European versions have running at approximately 33 mpg on the European cycle, which likely means a mid-20s mpg is likely for the US.
Hyundai Blue-Will Plug-in Hybrid (4 seat compact)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: Hyundai has said it will release a plug-in version of its Blue-Will plug-in sports car concept in 2012. Powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder gasoline direct-injected engine and 100kw electric motor mated up with a CVT automatic transmission, the Blue-Will reportedly has a range of 38 miles in EV mode and an overall rating of 55mpg when the gas engine is in operation. Energy will be stored in a lithium-polymer battery pack.
Audi A6 Hybrid: (5 seat luxury sedan)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: Unveiled at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Audi says the A6 Hybrid will get around 38mpg on the European cycle, which would be somewhere in the low-30s US. The 2011 gas-powered A6 with a 3.2-liter V6 engine, delivering 265 horsepower, has a combined fuel efficiency rating of 25 mpg. The hybrid features a two-liter, four-cylinder engine combined with a 38kw lithium ion battery pack paired with a 45hp electric motor. Current price estimates would in the mid-$50,000 range, somewhere around $13,000 more than the conventional A6. While the A6 Hybrid looks to have better overall fuel economy than its closest counterpart, the Infiniti M Hybrid (29mpg combined), it will have considerably less horsepower than the M Hybrid.
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: VW executives have confirmed that the off-again, on-again plans for a Jetta Hybrid are indeed on again, with a U.S. release date set for 2012. The model will be a full hybrid, using VW's twincharger TSI in-line four-cylinder engine. While VW has claimed it will get “best in class” fuel economy, though given its expected horsepower, it may be difficult for it to outdo the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid’s EPA-estimated 44mpg. Pricing is expected to be in the low-to-mid $20,000 range.
Toyota Prius C compact: (5 seat compact)
	Est. release date: 2012 What we know: The C concept was unveiled at the 2011 Detroit auto show. The Japanese version of this vehicle, the Aqua, debuted at the 2011 Tokyo auto show. The C employs a 1.4 liter 74 horsepower gasoline engine and an electric engine that generates 45 kW of electric energy. The C will incorporate a unique design – larger all around than the Yaris – that houses the lithium-ion battery pack under the rear seats and employs a totally new front end. Originally slated for a December 2011 US debut, it is being pushed back to spring 2012 due in part to the earthquake in Japan. The Prius C’s price is being estimated at around $22,000, which should slot in under the price of the current Prius. Expect the US production model debut at the 2012 Detroit auto show.
Subaru Impreza Hybrid (5 seat compact)
	Est. release date: 2012-2013 What we know: Subaru has redesigned its Impreza compact for the 2012 Model Year and plans to release it in America late in 2011. This is also likely to be their first commercial application of hybrid technology, using Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive mated to a flat-four Boxer motor preferred by the company. The Impreza Hybrid is unlikely to be released until late in 2012.
Mazda 6 Hybrid (5 seat midsize)
	Est. release date: 2012-2013 What we know: Mazda has licensed Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, and reports are that they are planning to use it in a Mazda 6. Mazda is also planning on releasing a diesel version of the 6. The current Mazda 6 comes in a four and six-cylinder variety, ranging from 25 to 21mpg.
Lexus GS 450h (5 seat luxury sedan)
	Est. release date: 2012-2013 What we know: The Lexus LF-Gh concept car unveiled at the 2011 New York auto show will serve as the design inspiration for the Model Year 2012 Lexus GS series, seen in its hybrid form with the next-generation 2013 GS 450h. This new model will use the same 3.5 liter, V6 engine as its predecessor, but Toyota says that it will obtain an EPA-estmated 30mpg, a 30 percent increase over the previous generation GS 450h and 1mpg better than the Infiniti M Hybrid. The V6 is mated to a liquid-cooled electric motor. Lexus says the powertrain has a total output of 338 hp. The electric-power control unit can boost voltage to 650 in sport mode for greater performance, or 500 volts in eco mode. Lexus says the GS 450h will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
Chrysler Town & Country Hybrid (7 seat minivan)
	Est. release date: 2013 What we know: Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has said that Chrysler has developed its own hybrid drivetrain technology, and will first use it on the Town & Country minivan following the release of the 300 Hybrid in 2012. The conventional Town & Country gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg. No word yet as to whether this may be using the hydraulic hybrid technology developed jointly with the EPA and tested in Town & Country minivans, or the plug-in technology developed for the Ram pickup test models.
Acura RSX Hybrid (5 seat compact)
	Est. release date: 2013 What we know: Honda has decided to take its luxury-line of vehicles hybrid, starting with the Civic-based RSX in 2013. The RSX hybrid will likely use Honda’s new Earthdreams engine and transmission technology, including a new full hybrid system coupled to a continuously variable transmission and a conventional four cylinder engine.
Volkswagen Passat Hybrid (5 seat midsize)
	Est. release date: 2013 What we know: Volkswagen has announced plans to bring hybrid variants of the Passat and Golf a year after the 2012 release of the Jetta Hybrid. VW has said it will focus on fuel-economy for its Jetta Hybrid, unlike the more muscular Touareg Hybrid SUV, and the Passat Hybrid will likely use a similar drivetrain as the Jetta Hybrid. The 2012 Passat is a diesel vehicle, netting a combined 35mpg (34mpg for the automatic transmission). It rates a rather low 6 out of 10 on the EPA smog-forming emission scale, but that matches the gasoline-powered Touareg Hybrid. It will therefore be interesting if consumers are given a direct choice between hybrid or diesel varieties of this vehicle, and what the differences will be.
Volkswagen Golf Hybrid (5 seat compact)
	Est. release date: 2013 What we know: Volkswagen has announced plans to bring hybrid variants of the Golf and Passat a year after the 2012 release of the Jetta Hybrid. VW has said it will focus on fuel-economy for its Jetta Hybrid, unlike the more muscular Touareg Hybrid SUV and the Golf Hybrid will likely use a similar drivetrain as the Jetta Hybrid. The 2012 Golf has both diesel and gasoline drivetrains, netting a combined 34mpg for the diesel and 26mpg for the gasoline engine.
BMW i8 Plug-in Hybrid (4 seat sports coupe)
	Est. release date: 2013 What we know: BMW says that its i8 Plug-in Hybrid concept is 90 percent of what is to be expected in the production version. The i8, says BMW, goes from 0-60mph in less than five seconds and 78mpg on the European scale. Its plug-in hybrid with a range of around 22 miles in electric mode. A high-performance three-cylinder gas engine extends the range. Expected price tag is supposed to be in the “low six-figure” range.
Ford F-Series Super Duty Plug-In Hybrid (full-sized pickup)
	Est. release date: 2013 What we know: Ford and Azure Dynamics have entered into an agreement to integrate Azure’s plug-in hybrid technology into Ford’s F-Series Super Duty Lineup. Ford and Azure will initially integrate plug-in hybrid technology into the F-550 in early 2013, with integration into the F-350 and F-450 to follow soon thereafter. Azure will have the choice of which engine to pair with the plug-in system, which could range from a turbo-charged V8 diesel engine to a 10 cylinder gasoline engine to the Eco-boost V6.
Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid SUV (5 seat compact SUV)
	Est. release date: 2013 What we know: Mitsubishi will produce a plug-in hybrid SUV based on the automaker's PX-MiEV concept it debuted at the 2009 Tokyo auto show. Mitsubishi’s hybrid SUV will be a hybrid version of the Outlander Sport and it will make its way to North American markets by 2013. Mitsubishi plans a drivetrain similar to the Chevy Volt’s Voltec system. The vehicle would feature a 40 mile all electric range with a small gas-powered range extender to power the battery. Estimated price tag is in the $42,000 range.
Honda Odyssey Hybrid (7 seat minivan)
	Est. release date: 2013 What we know: As noted with the rumored Gen. 2 Accord Hybrid, Honda is now developing a hybrid drivetrain for larger vehicles. Nikkei newspaper in Japan is reporting that Honda may put this powertrain into a hybrid minivan. The Odyssey was redesigned in the 2011 Model Year with no hybrid option, and the first application of Honda’s new full hybrid system is scheduled to begin with a plug-in Accord Hybrid at the end of 2012. If Honda is going to hybridize the Odyssey, it will likely not be until at least 2013.
GM plug-in hybrid minivan: (5 seat compact minivan)
	Est. release date: 2013 What we know: GM confirmed that they will release a minivan version of the Volt likely based on the Chevy Volt MPV5 concept that debuted at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show. The MPV5, a fusion of the current Volt drivetrain and the Chevy Orlando compact minivan, was 7 inches longer and 7 inches taller than the standard Volt, and is able to carry five passengers instead of the Volt’s four. The production version is rumored to possibly be a 7-seat minivan like the production version of the Chevy Orlando (available in Europe and Canada, but not the United States), but no details have been released.
Chrysler 200C plug-in Hybrid (5-seat sedan)
	Est. release date: 2013 What we know. Chrysler has asked for a U.S. trademark on the name 200C, likely in preparation for production of a plug-in hybrid based on EV 200C concept sedan unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The concept vehicle was a plug-in hybrid much like the Chevy Volt, with the gasoline engine primarily used to recharge the electric motor batteries. Like the Volt, the EV 200C has a 40-mile battery-only range, with a total rage of 400 miles.
Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in Hybrid (2 seat sports car)
	Est. release date: 2013 What we know: Porsche went plug-in for the first time at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show with its Spyder plug-in hybrid concept. After significant positive reaction and commitments to buy the vehicle that will likely cost over $600,000, Porsche officially gave the green light to build a production version of this car. According to Porsche representatives, the vehicle supposedly goes 0 to 60mph in 3.2 seconds, gets 78 miles per gallon (though that’s likely on a full battery charge), and can go 16 miles on pure electric charge. The car weighs a relatively light 3,285 lbs (including batteries) thanks to carbon-reinforced plastic body panels and an aluminum and magnesium chassis.
Subaru Tourer Hybrid (4 seat midsize wagon)
	Est. release date: 2013 What we know: Subaru brought its Tourer Hybrid gull-winged, two-door coupe concept to the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. After a two year hiatus, Subaru unveiled a new AWD midsize wagon going by the same Tourer Hybrid concept name at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show in December. It has a turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine with continuously variable transmission wed with an electric motor. When the car is first fired up or running at low speed, the rear motor propels the car. At higher speeds under normal conditions, internal combustion keeps the car moving.
Infiniti Etherea Hybrid (5 seat luxury compact)
	Est. release date: 2013-2014 What we know: Infiniti brought their first compact luxury car concept to Geneva in 2011, stating plans for production within two-to-three years. Infiniti says the new model is about the same size as the Nissan Versa. The hybrid drivetrain will likely derive from the Infiniti M Hybrid, and due to its smaller size, likely attain better fuel economy than the M.
Cadillac ELR Plug-in Hybrid: (4 seat luxury coupe)
	Est. release date: 2013-2014 What we know: For a time, it looked as if the first plug-in hybrid under the Cadillac label would be the XTS crossover, but with that vehicle’s cancellation in May 2011 came news that the luxury coupe which made its first appearance as a concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show as the Converj, has been revived for production. Due to its similarity to the Chevy Volt, and with GM increasing production of the Volt to meet demand, GM has decided that this application may be the best way to maximize profits from its Voltec drivetrain, as it will likely sell for at least $20,000 more than the Volt. GM sources are saying that the vehicle fill feature a Generation 1.5 Voltec drivetrain with a little more power than the Volt .
Mercedes C class hybrid: (5 seat luxury compact)
	Est. release date: late 2013-2014 What we know: Mercedes is looking to expand its hybrid variety in order to keep up with both European and US fuel economy standards. The C-class will expand Mercedes hybrids into the luxury compact market after the introduction of the S400 full-sized sedan. This will be an interesting experiment, as the C-class compacts are very much performance-oriented, with the current fuel-economy leader being the C300 netting only an EPA-estimated 21 mpg. European sales of the C-class hybrid is anticipated in Europe in 2013 with the US market opening in either late that year or the next.
Lexus LC 600h (4 seat luxury coupe)
	Est. release date: 2013-2014 What we know: Lexus is reportedly looking to replace its discontinued SC 430 coupe with a hybrid. The tentatively titled LC 600h will likely be a miniaturized version of the muscular LS 600h L, getting an updated version of the 5.0-liter V-8 hybrid system and all-wheel drive.
Fisker Nina (5 seat luxury midsize)
	Est. release date: 2013-2014 What we know: The more moderately priced sister of the Fisker Karma is slotted to be priced just below $40,000 (after Federal tax credits) and is to be built in a retooled GM plant in Delaware. Given the Karma’s price bump from $85,000 to $100,000, the Nina may end up pricier as well, though Fisker has said it expects the price to be arount $39,000 presumably including government tax credits. It will use the same plug-in hybrid drivetrain as the Karma. Fisker has also entered into an agreement with BMW to use one of its turbocharged four-cylinder engines at the gasoline segment of the Nina’s drivetrain. The agreement will allow Fisker to buy up-to 100,000 engines a year depending on their level of production.
Mercedes S500 Plug-In Hybrid: (5 seat luxury sedan)
	Est. release date: 2013-2014 What we know: The Mercedes S500 plug-in hybrid concept was introduced at the Geneva Auto Show in 2009, and now reports from the automaker have this plug-in model fast-tracked for production by 2014. The concept featured a 3.5 liter V6 engine with a seven speed automotive transmission combined with a 60hp electric motor. The 10 kW lithium-ion battery pack was estimated to have an electric-only range of 18 miles, making it closer to the Prius plug-in rather than the Volt in battery-only range. Mercedes executives are promising sub-6 second 0-60mph acceleration and 70+mpg on the European scale.
Toyota Supra Hybrid (4 seat sportscar)
	Est. release date: 2012-2014 What we know: Toyota has recently applied to trademark the Supra name in the United States once again, fueling suspicion that it is planning on turning a version of the FT-HS concept sportscar introduced at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show into a production model under the Supra name. The Toyota MR2 concept hybrid also lends to speculation that Toyota has a hybrid sports car on its mind. There is also some speculation that the hybrid system could go into the new Toyota/Subaru FT-86 sports car. In the 2011 New York Auto Show, a rebranded FT-86 was unveiled as the Scion FR-S concept, but did not contain a hybrid drivetrain.
Land Rover Evoque (5 seat midsize SUV)
	Est. release date: 2013-2015 What we know: Tata Motors has taken over the Land Rover brand, and has promised that it will release a hybrid under the Land Rover brand. Most likely will be the Evoque, Land Rover’s smallest ever vehicle and its first front wheel drive SUV. Land Rover will continue to share technology with Jaguar, so it is likely that the hybrid technology under development with Jaguar would be what we might see in the Evoque.
Lexus ES300h: (5 seat luxury sedan)
	Est. release date: 2013-2015 What we know: Lexus has filed for a trademark patent for the ES300h. This likely indicates that Lexus intends to hybridize its ES line in order to position themselves against the growing line of luxury hybrid sedans. Lexus has reported that it plans to sell a hybrid version of each car in its class in the next few years, and the ES350 is based on the Toyota Camry platform, both lending credence to a future ES hybrid variant.
Ferrari 599 Hybrid (2 seat sports car)
	Est. release date: 2014 What we know: Ferrari’s president, Luca di Montezemolo says that his company is working to bring the hybrid system in the Ferrari F1 racing cars into production within the next few years. The Kenetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) in the 599 GTB prototype has an electric motor coupled to the rear of the dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission and a set of flat lithium-ion batteries positioned below the floorpan. Weighing about 40 kg or 88lbs, the compact, tri-phase, high-voltage electric motor of the KERS produces over 100 horsepower. The KERS system is wed to a V12 engine. Ferrari says the current drivetrain reduces carbon emissions about 35 percent.
Acura MDX Hybrid (5 seat crossover)
	Est. release date: 2014 What we know: Honda has decided to take its luxury-line of vehicles hybrid. The MDX Hybrid will follow the RSX, and will use a 6-cylinder gasoline engine rather than the RSX four-cylinder. Honda has developed a different hybrid drivetrain for larger vehicles, so the MDX may get that application rather than the more traditional mild hybrid system the Civic-based RSX will use. The conventional, 2 wheel drive version of the TL gets 23 mpg. The conventional version of the TL gets 18 mpg.
Acura TL Hybrid (5 seat luxury sedan)
	Est. release date: 2014 What we know: Honda has decided to take its luxury-line of vehicles hybrid. The TL Hybrid will follow the RSX, and will use a 6-cylinder gasoline engine rather than the RSX four-cylinder. Honda has developed a different hybrid drivetrain for larger vehicles, so the TL may get that application rather than the more traditional mild hybrid system the Civic-based RSX will use. The conventional, 2 wheel drive version of the TL gets 23 mpg.
Audi A4 Plug-in Hybrid (5 seat midsize)
	Est. release date: 2014 What we know: Audi plans a new A4 design for Model Year 2014. It will be built upon Volkswagen Group’s MBL Evo platform, which lighter in weight compared with the current A4 by as much as 150kg. This will help to increase economy and performance of the upcoming model. Audi is planning a plug-in hybrid version that is projected to have electric-only driving for up to 37 miles. Additionally, this setup will offer an all-wheel drive system dubbed e-Quattro that will have no mechanical connection between the axles.
Morgan LIFECar 2 (2 seat coupe)
	Est. release date: 2014 What we know: Upstart British automaker Morgan has announced the planned production of a diesel-electric hybrid luxury coupe. All that is known at this point is that they believe it will take several years to go into production, and claim that it will offer "up to 1,000 miles" worth of range).
Jaguar C-X75 plug-in hybrid (2 seat sports car)
	Est. release date: 2015 What we know: Jaguar has entered into a partnership with Williams F1 to turn the C-X75 hybrid concept supercar into a production version. The very limited run will be about 250 models, and will likely cost in excess of $1 million per car. While the concept version used micro turbine technology to run the batteries, the production version is more likely to be a more conventional plug-in hybrid. Jaguar is promising a vehicle that can go in excess of 200mph and CO2 emissions of less than 99g/km.
Toyota Highlander Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (7 seat SUV)
	Est. release date: 2015 What we know: Toyota began an initiative to bring fuel cell vehicles to market in 1992. It looks like this initiative will finally pay commercial dividends in 2015, as the automaker plans to bring its Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV) drivetrain mating a hydrogen-sourced fuel cell with a battery-assisted electric motor to the public in a Toyota Highlander FCHV in 2015. Toyota believes it will be able to sell the vehicle for $50,000, as it claims it has reduced the cost of producing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 90 percent in the past five years and expects another 50 percent drop in price come 2015. The company is road-testing more than 100 of its Highlander FCHVs in the U.S. between 2010 and 2013 to prepare for the 2015 launch. Toyota says that the Highlander FCHV can go some 500 miles on a single tank of hydrogen.
Non-U.S. Hybrids: Toyota Estima Hybrid (7 seat compact minivan) Est. release date: Released 2001 Planned release location: Japan, Hong Kong What we know: Japan has been home to the only hybrid minivan since 2001. In 2006, a redesigned Estima Hybrid came out, getting around and estimated 35mpg adjusted to the US scale. Based on the Previa minivan once sold in America, but supplanted by the larger, thirstier Sienna, the Estima Hybrid sells in Japan for about $27,000. Toyota Alphard Hybrid (7 seat minivan) Est. release date: Released 2003 Planned release location: Japan What we know: Toyota rolled-out this larger, more luxurious hybrid minivan two years after the Estima Hybrid. Japan has been home to the only hybrid minivan since 2001. They drivetrain includes a 2.4 liter, four-cylinder engine, front and rear electric motors, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), high-output hybrid battery pack and an E-Four electric four-wheel drive system. The vehicle rates 42mpg on the Japanese test cycle (whoulc would put it in the high 20s US). Toyota Crown Hybrid (5 seat full-sized luxury sedan) Est. release date: Released 2008 Planned release location: Japan What we know: The pre-Lexus luxury sedan of Toyota got a hybrid variant in 2008. Wed to a larger V6 engine than its Camry Hybrid counterpart, the Crown Hybrid rates about 33mpg on the Japanese test cycle (which would put it in the low-to-mid 20s US). It sells in Japan for around $56,000. Toyota Sai Hybrid (5 seat mid-sized sedan) Est. release date: Released 2009 Planned release location: Japan What we know: The Sai Hybrid was introduced as a “mid-point” between the Lexus HS 250h, of which it is based, and the lower-priced Camry Hybrid. The Sai rates 54mpg on the Japanese cycle, and would likely get roughly the same 35mpg in the US as the HS 250h. Toyota Auris Hybrid (5 seat compact) Est. release date: Released 2010 Planned release location: Europe What we know: The compact Toyota Auris, which has been a successful product in Europe for some time, received a hybrid version for 2011 model year. The vehicle costs around $27,000 US, and is rated at 61.9 mpg on the European scale (about 51.5 mpg on the US scale). The extended electric range of the hybrid drivetrain allows it to travel up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to about 30mph. Honda Jazz (Fit) Hybrid (5 seat subcompact) Est. release date: Released in Japan 2010, Europe 2011 Planned release location: Europe, Japan What we know: The Jazz (in the US known as Fit) model will get an overhaul for Model Year 2012, and for Japan and Europe that means a hybrid. Initial projections are that the Jazz Hybrid would beat the Prius for efficiency and emissions. But the Jazz Hybrid in reality measures 62.8 mpg while the Prius nets 72.4 mpg under the same test conditions. Yet it does beat their own Honda Insight, and Honda is selling the car in Japan for $19,370—around the same price as the Insight in the U.S. Honda did unveil an all-electric version of the Fit at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, and said that it would be available in the U.S. market in 2012. Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 (5 seat compact SUV) Est. release date: Released 2011 Planned release location: Europe What we know: Peugeot is the first automaker to release a diesel-hybrid vehicle to market with this compact SUV. The vehicle pairs a 2.0-L 163 hp HDi diesel engine and a 37 hp electric motor to give a combined 369 lb-ft of torque, 221 lb-ft from the engine and motor delivering 148 lb-ft. Peugeot is claiming combined 74.4 mpg in fuel economy on the European scale (somewhere in the low 60s mpg range US). The hybrid features different modes, including Auto, Sport, 4-wheel drive and a fully electric mode termed as ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle) mode. A standard semi-automatic gearbox helps to optimize fuel consumption in the Auto mode, while the diesel engine is only used sparsely in the ZEV mode. The 3008 uses more traditional Nickel Metal Hydride batteries to power the electric motor. With the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 limited edition having sold out, two versions are available, a 99g/km CO2 at about $43,000 and 104g/km CO2 at $45,500. A plug-in variant is said to be in the works for a 2012 release. Toyota Prius Alpha/Prius + (7 seat crossover) Est. release date: Released in Japan in 2011, Europe 2012 Planned release location: Europe, Japan What we know: While Toyota is offering its larger Prius varietal in America as the Prius V, a third-row version of this vehicle is being produced, but only for the Japanese and European markets. The Prius Alpha (branded the Prius+ in Europe) is the first Toyota hybrid available with a lithium-ion battery pack. It is equipped with a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle engine and Toyota's Hybrid System II. The Japanese automaker claims that the Alpha's advanced aerodynamics and low weight enable a fuel efficiency rating of 26.2 kilometers per liter (61.6 miles per gallon U.S.) on Japan's test cycle. Pricing starts at 2,350,000 yen ($29,095 U.S. at the current exchange rate) and tops out at 3,305,000 yen ($40,919). The Alpha is the basis for the five-seat Prius V, which is scheduled to launch in North America this summer, and the seven-seat Prius +, which is expected to hit dealerships in Europe in mid-2012. Opel Ampera (5 seat compact) Est. release date: 2011 Planned release location: Europe What we know: General Motors unveiled the Opel Ampera, the European version of its Voltec-powered Chevy Volt four-door compact, at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, and will unveil the production model at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. The official release to the European market will be November 2011, after the U.S. introduction of the Volt. The drivetrain is the same as the Volt with a 16kw lithium-ion battery that takes the car about 40 miles and a gas powered generator for recharging the battery once depleted, that can extend the range to more than 300 miles. Citroen DS5 Hybrid (5 seat crossover) Est. release date: 2011-2012 Planned release location: Europe What we know: Citroen will follow Peugeot in the diesel-hybrid market with its DS5 crossover model. The automaker is confident of a “considerable fuel saving” and a drop of up to 35 percent in carbon dioxide emissions compared to a similar sized petrol model. The Hymotion4 system is offered with AWD capability using two electric motors. The three-cylinder diesel drivetrain drives the rear wheels, and the electric motor drives the front wheels. There are four driver settings; ‘Auto’ mode, which automatically switches between the diesel engine and the electric motor , ‘Zero Emission Vehicle’ (ZEV) mode, for driving with the electric motor alone, at speeds of up to 60km/h (37mph), ‘4 Wheel Drive’, for more traction at low speeds by using all four wheels (front wheels powered by the diesel engine, rear wheels by the electric motor) and ‘Sport’, for quicker responses, through the maximum use of the electric motor in addition to the diesel engine. Depending on the mode Citroen promises emissions as low as 99g/km. The release date may slip to 2012, but Citroen representatives say they are determined to have this vehicle out by the end of 2011. Toyota Prius (5 seat midsize) Est. release date: 2012 Planned release location: Japan What we know: The Japanese version of the Prius will now come with standard outlets in the car, allowing it to run appliances and act as a household generator. With a full tank of gas, it is estimated that a Prius could deliver power to a house for up to two days. While this will be made available in Japan only due to voltage compatibility issues, an American version is in the works. Mercedes E 300 Diesel Hybrid (5 seat sedan) Est. release date: 2012 Planned release location: Europe What we know: Current reports say that Mercedes will be producing a Europe-only diesel hybrid using a “specially tuned” 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine pulled from the E 250 CDI. The E 300 is estimated to get 56mpg on the European scale, which translates to about 46.5mpg in the U.S. Originally intended for a 2011 release, production delays have pushed back the launch until 2012. Proton Exora Hybrid (7 seat minivan) Est. release date: 2012 Planned release location: Malaysia What we know: After working with Lotus on hybrid concept vehicles, the Malaysian government wants Proton to start producing hybrid vehicles, initially to replace the current fleet of government vehicles with. The opportunity for Proton significant, and the risk of loss is also significant. The government has cut excise taxes for hybrid vehicles for 2011, which could make Honda and Toyota hybrids more competitive. The prototype Exora is a plug-in hybrid, with two electric motors powering the front wheels supplied by a lithium-polymer battery pack. Proton is producing hybrid versions of the Exora in Britain for testing, and is hopeful of going into commercial production for the Malaysian market in 2012. Peugeot 508 RXH (5 seat crossover) Est. release date: 2012 Planned release location: Europe, China What we know: Following on the 3008 Hybrid compact SUV, Peugeot plans on bringing its diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain to its 508 class vehicle, a family sedan replacing its 407 line. The HYbrid4 transmission has a 2-liter diesel engine to drive the front wheels and an electric motor powering the rears, giving the car all-wheel-drive capability. 508 RXH has been rated 70.6 in the European scale (about 59mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km. Peugeot will produce this vehicle both in France and in China. Suzuki Swift Plug-in Hybrid (4 seat subcompact) Est. release date: 2012 Planned release location: Japan What we know: Reports are that the Suzuki Swift subcompact car has been greenlit for production. The concept vehicle first came on the scene at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. The Swift plug-in will be powered by a hybrid engine that makes use of lithium-ion battery supplied by Sanyo. The hybrid variant will be able to drive a little over 9 miles on electricity alone, after which its 0.66 liter engine will help recharge the batteries. Recent reports say that Suzuki is considering a possible U.S. release of this vehicle after its Japanese debut. Price estimates for the Swift Plug-in Hybrid are in the $25,000 range. Toyota Yaris Hybrid (5 seat subcompact) Est. release date: 2012 Planned release location: Europe, Japan What we know: Toyota will open a new plant in France in 2011 to produce a Toyota Yaris Hybrid for the European market. This subcompact car, the second produced in Europe after the Toyota Auris Hybrid, will likely go toe-to-toe with the upcoming Honda Jazz (Fit) Hybrid. It seems to be targeting to beat the Kia Rio diesel’s 85g/km of carbon emissions and its 88.3mpg on the European scale. Its gasoline engine has been downsized from a 1.8 liter to a 1.5 liter to help accomplish this. Peugeot RCZ Hybrid (2 seat coupe) Est. release date: 2012 Planned release location: Europe What we know: Peugeot will bring its Hybrid4 drivetrain to its RCZ model in 2012. It will likely use the same 1.6 liter diesel engine in the current RCZ, and add a 39hp electric motor to help reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency. No fuel economy numbers have been announced. Mercedes SLS Hybrid (2 seat coupe) Est. release date: 2012 Planned release location: Europe What we know: The Mercedes SLS supercar due out in 2011 is being fitted for a smaller variant, a hybrid with either a 3.5L V6 or a 6.8L V8 paired with two electric motors. The electric motors will likely be in the front wheels for an all-wheel drive sports car that would put out a reported 305 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Idle-off technology and direct injection should help with fuel economy as well. The all-electric version of the SLS—the E Cell— is rumored for 2012 as well. Ford C-Max Hybrid (7 seat compact minivan) Est. release date: 2012-2013 Planned release location: Europe What we know: While Ford has decided only the 5-passenger version of the C-Max Hybrid will come to America, representatives are saying a plug-in hybrid version of the Grand C-Max 7-passenger vehicle to the European Market (both gasoline and diesel versions of the Grand C-Max are already available in Europe). Both the 5 and 7-passenger versions will hit the European market in 2012 or 2013, and both will use lithium ion batteries like the US-version. VW Up! Blue e-Motion Hybrid (2 seat subcompact) Est. release date: 2013 Planned release location: Europe What we know: VW’s one-cylinder research project that created the 261mpg hybrid diesel concept XL-1 will come to market as the Up! Blue-e-motion sub-compact. The Up! will have a larger gasoline engine thank the XL-1, using a 0.8L two-cylinder diesel engine mated to an electric motor. The diesel engine is expected to produce 47 horsepower, with the electric engine adding another 27 horsepower. The Up! will be a mild hybrid drivetrain, and is expected to net a combined 95mpg on the European test cycle. Honda Fit Shuttle: (7 seat minivan) Est. release date: 2013 Planned release location: Japan What we know: The hybrid version of Honda’s small people-mover based on the Fit platform was first unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Auto show. The Fit Shuttle will feature a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine, smaller and more efficient than the gasoline version. The Fit Shuttle will also offer increased interior passenger and luggage space as a result of the C-pillar design, making it 20 inches longer than the current model. Honda engineers have have employed strategic aerodynamic revisions and friction reduction measures that should allow the Fit Shuttle to match or beat the Insight and Fit Hybrid’s roughly 40/43 mpg city/highway. Nissan Sports-Coupe Plug-in Hybrid (2 seat sports coupe) Est. release date: 2013-2014 Planned release location: Europe What we know: Rumored to be based off of the pure-electric, rear-wheel drive EsFlow concept, this competition for the Mazda MX-5 will likely be either a hybrid powered with the 1.6-liter engine from the Nissan Juke paired with an electric motor, or a more powerful version of the Nissan Leaf’s all-electric drivetrain. Mercedes AMG Hybrid (2 seat sports coupe) Est. release date: 2014-2015 Planned release location: Europe What we know: Daimler recently released plans to introduce a new hybrid version of its gull-winged AMG coupe. According to Mercedes, the new hybrid technology will not be used to boost performance but will be used strictly for better fuel economy and to decrease carbon dioxide emissions. Mercedes has not yet made public the hybrid system that will go in the AMG, as both a traditional hybrid drivetrain and a plug-in system are under consideration. Volvo V60 Plug-In hybrid (5 seat wagon) Est. release date: 2014-2015 Planned release location: Europe What we know: Volvo has created its first diesel-electric hybrids with this plug-in sports wagon unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show. Volvo considers the Geneva concept to be a “virtual production car” that will be ready for consumers in 2012, though no word yet if or when it will reach the United States. The V60 contains a five-cylinder, 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 215 horsepower, along with a 70-hp electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with 12 kW of electric storage which drives the rear axle. Volvo claims the V60 can drive up to 30 miles on electricity alone before the diesel engine kicks in. It is estimated that the fuel economy could be around 125 mpg on the European scale, but true estimates have yet to be officially computed. In Concept (no production or release date): Acura Acura NSX The next version of the Acura NSX is rumored to be a hybrid. According to recent reports the NSX will look similar to the car driven by Tony Stark in the upcoming Avengers movie. Set to hit showrooms in a couple years, the NSX will be Acura’s version of an all-wheel-drive hybrid sports car. It is likely that the NSX will feature Honda’s all-new Earthdreams hybrid electric engine and transmission technology. Audi Audi A9 Hybrid The brainchild of Spanish car designer Daniel Garcia, the Audi A9 concept is a low-emission hybrid sports car for the future. The windscreen and the roof of the vehicle are formed of a futuristic nanotech material (not yet in existence) that would repair itself automatically if damaged. The concept would pair a gasoline engine with four separate electric motors, one for each wheel. Audi Spyder Diesel plug-in Hybrid Audi brought a hybrid supercar to the 2010 Paris Auto Show. Audi decided to make this sports car a convertible, and paired two electric motors using lithium ion batteries for power with a 3-liter TDI diesel engine. The Spyder boasts a 0-60mph time of 4.4 seconds, and claims that it would get 128mpg. It is capable of 31 miles of electric only driving. Audi A1 e-tron plug-in hybrid Audi’s latest concept is the “e-tron” based on the A1 mini-car also launched at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The front wheels are driven by a 76-kilowatt (102-hp) electric motor, and its pure electric range is quoted as 31 miles. Then a range-extending rotary engine kicks in to power a generator that powers the engine for an additional 124 miles. Audi limits top speed to 81 miles per hour to preserve battery life, and quotes a 0-to-62-mph acceleration time of 10.2 seconds. Audi A1 Sportback Concept Introduced by Audi at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the A1 Sportback Concept is a subcompact with a turbocharged engine integrated into its plug-in hybrid system. The vehicle achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 60 mpg in mixed driving and an all-electric range of 31 miles. Audi A1 Project quattro® The A1 Project quattro® is a plug-in hybrid subcompact that debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. The vehicle uses a 1.4L turbocharged FSI® engine to power the front wheels and a 30 kW electric motor to power the rear wheels, achieving all-wheel drive. Audi Q7 Hybrid Audi premiered the Q7 Hybrid concept at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show. The “muscular” crossover SUV hybrid achieves an estimated 20 mpg, less than a 13-percent improvement. The Q7 Hybrid was intended for production, but these plans were canceled. Instead, Audi plan to release the smaller Q5 Hybrid crossover in late 2010. BMW BMW Vision EfficientDynamics sportscar Unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the four-seat sportscar concept uses an aerodynamic design and a complex hybrid drivetrain to get an estimated 63 mpg, reportedly without sacrificing sports car performance. It’s exterior design achieves a drag coefficient of 0.22, better than the Prius' 0.25. The 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine is combined with an electric motor on the rear axle, and the two electric motors on the front axle. This power train gives the car 356 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, getting it to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. Buick Buick Business Concept The Business Concept, which made its debut at Auto Shanghai 2009, will use GM’s next generation belt-alternator-starter (BAS) lithium-ion hybrid system. Called a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) by GM, the Business Concept is only intended to be released in China. Buick Verano Hybrid GM is planning a full hybrid successor to the soon-to-be released Buick Verano eAssist. The update from mild hybrid to full hybrid will come in the form of a smaller battery and 2.5 liter hybrid- electric power source, which is different from the eAssist’s regenerative breaking capabilities and automatic start/stop technology. From the Automotive News Supplier chart, it looks like the Verano hybrid will be built in the Tonawanda, NY plant. Cadillac Cadillac Ciel Hybrid Cadillac decided to unveil its convertible hybrid concept at Pebble Beach, Florida. The Ciel (French for “sky) concept is a possible replacement for the $100,000 XLR convertible that is now out of production. The Ciel is powered by a 425-horsepower twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 engine and a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology. It is a full hybrid, but not a plug-in, with electric-only driving possible at low speeds. Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept General Motors unveiled a concept for a luxury sub-compact car at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. It uses the same revised mild hybrid system that is featured in the Buick LaCrosse eAssist. However, rather than a four-cylinder engine, the Urban Luxury Concept weds the lithium-ion powered electric assist to 1.0 liter, three-cylinder engine. Cadillac estimates a 56 city/65 highway fuel economy rating. Cadillac XTS Plug-In Sedan GM revealed this luxury sedan plug-in concept model at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Reports are that XTS Platinum show car uses a plug-in hybrid system similar to that developed for the stillborn Saturn Vue 2-Mode hybrid. A direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6 is mated to an electrically variable transmission, allowing the XTS to be driven by the gasoline engine, an electric motor, or a combination of the two. Cadillac says total output is in the realm of 350 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac Converj Presented at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the Converj concept uses GM’s new Voltec propulsion system. Like the Chevrolet Volt, this luxury coupe has an all-electric range of 40 miles. General Motors executives have put an official plan to produce the Converj to its board of directors. No possible release date has been announced, though according to the Detroit News it would likely be at least “a few years after the November 2010 planned release of the Chevy Volt. The board has since rejected plans to produce the Converj, which is now considered a non-production concept only. Capstone CMT 380 Capstone, manufacturer of electricity-generating microturbines, and Electronic Arts Chief Creative Director Richard Hilleman built a hybrid sports car for the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The CMT-380 uses an electric power train with a range-extending diesel-fueled microturbine. A lithium polymer battery pack gives the CMT-380 80 miles of pure electric range, and the microturbine generates power for an additional 500 miles. Impressively, the microturbine burns its fuel so cleanly that no catalytic converter or other exhaust treatment is needed for the car to meet emissions requirements. Capstone says it may build a limited number based on interest at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but the car really serves as a demonstration of microturbine technology. Chevrolet Chevrolet Miray Hybrid First seen in the 2010 Seoul Auto Show, the Miray hybrid sports car has a carbon-fiber body and runs on two front-mounted 15 kW electric engines combined with a 1.5 liter 4- cylinder gasoline engine in the rear. The Miray will now appear at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, lending increased speculation that a version of this car may find its way into production. Chrysler Chrysler EV 200C Plug-In Hybrid This EV 200C is a concept sedan unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The concept vehicle was a plug-in hybrid much like the Chevy Volt, with the gasoline engine primarily used to recharge the electric motor batteries. Like the Volt, the EV 200C has a 40-mile battery-only range, with a total rage of 400 miles. Chrysler has asked for a U.S. trademark on the name 200C, perhaps in preparation for future production. Chrysler Town & Country Hybrid Chrysler teamed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to attach a hydraulic hybrid drivetrain to a Town & Country minivan. A hydraulic hybrid is a battery-less variant, using engine overflow torque to power a pump that uses hydraulic fluid to increase the pressure inside a tank of nitrogen gas that will, when released, help propel the vehicle. EPA officials are saying that this concept vehicle, due to hit the roads next year, could achieve a 30-35 percent improvement in overall fuel economy over the conventional Town & Country with a 60 percent bump in city fuel economy. Dodge Ram Plug-in Hybrid Despite the closure of its ENVI advanced vehicle technology department, Chrysler has decided to move forward with design and testing of a plug-in Ram Hybrid pickup truck. lab for testing the PHEV Ram will be built at the University of Michigan's Dearborn campus, and will be tested in real-world situations through use in fleets in 2011. The truck would have a next generation lithium ion battery with charge times of two to four hours at 220 volts, or four to six hours at 110 volts; a full hybrid system function without plug-in; a range of 655 miles. Chrysler Town & Country EV Introduced in September 2008, the Town & Country EV minivan is one of three range-extended electric vehicles developed by Chrysler’s ENVI group. Like the others, the minivan is said to have a 40-mile all-electric range and a total range of 400 miles. Chrysler claims that it will have one of its range-extended electric vehicles or battery-electric vehicles on the road by 2010. Citroën Citroën Tubik Citroën has designed a hybrid minibus concept unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show inspired by the Citroën Type H and TUB vans made for forty years from 1939 onwards. The vehicle would hold up to nine passengers, and a hybrid-diesel drivetrain akin to the production model 3008. Citroën RevoltE Plug-in Hybrid Inspired by the 2CV “Snail” car much beloved by French drivers through much of the 20th Century, the Citroen RevoltE hybrid plug-in concept could find its way to production. The concept debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the concept is a three-seat compact with a small gasoline engine wed to a plug-in electric motor. No other details about the drivetrain have been made available. Citroën DS High Rider Citroën brought a new compact diesel-hybrid concept, the DS High Rider, to the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The advanced hybrid system is the latest generation of Citroën's HYmotion4 hybrid drivetrain concept. Hymotion4 is offered with all-wheel drive capability, however, the design eliminates the associated heavy weight of an all-wheel drive vehicle by using two separate powerplants. Citroën Hypnos One of three vehicles to debut the HYmotion4 hybrid system at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the Hypnos is a diesel-electric crossover hybrid. The Hypnos achieves an estimated fuel economy of 52.3 mpg and emissions of 193 g/mile CO2. The HYmotion4 system will be first used in the Peugeot 3008 CUV, which is due to be released by 2011. Citroën C-Cactus The diesel-electric hybrid C-Cactus, which debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, achieves an estimated fuel economy of 69 mpg and emissions of 126 g/mile CO2. This minimalist compact hatchback is made up of only 200 parts. Auto Express reports that the C-Cactus will enter production, but the drivetrain has not been decided. Citroën C-Metisse Making its debut at the 2006 Paris Auto Show, the C-Metisse is a diesel-electric hybrid coupe that achieves an estimated 36 mpg and produces 280 g/mile CO2. PSA Peugeot Citroën has said that its Hybride HDi vehicles could hit dealers as early as 2010 if the price gap between gasoline and diesel vehicles can be reduced. Citroën C4 Hybride HDi Introduced in February 2006, the C4 Hybride HDi is a small family diesel-electric hybrid car with an estimated 69 mpg and emissions of 144 g/mile. Like the C-Metisse, PSA Peugeot Citroën has said that its Hybride HDi vehicles could hit dealers as early as 2010 if the price gap between gasoline and diesel vehicles can be reduced. Daimler Smart ForTwo MHD DaimlerChrysler’s Germany-based Smart Car division launched the ForTwo with micro hybrid drive (MHD) in Europe in 2007. The mild-hybrid system employs a belt-driven starter/generator and switches the engine off when idling at stoplights to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. Equipped with an automated manual transmission, the 1.0-liter three-cylinder gas engine delivers 71 horsepower and 68 pound-feet of torque. The ForTwo MHD returns a fuel economy of 66 mpg with a top speed is 90 mph. There is no word on whether the ForTwo MHD will be released in the United States. However, an electric drive version of the ForTwo with lithium-ion batteries is expected to arrive in America in the second half of 2010. Exagon Exagon Furtive eGT A potential new player in the European automaker circuit, Exagon Engineering, brought its first plug-in hybrid sportscar concept model out just before the 2010 Paris Auto Show. The Furtive eGT will go from 0-60mpg in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. It runs primarily on two Siemens 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) motors for a total of 336 horsepower and an electric-only range of 250 miles before an unspecified gasoline engine kicks in to double that distance. Ferrari Ferrari 599 GTB Hybrid Ferrari introduced its first hybrid sportscar concept since 2007 at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. It is an all-wheel drive, full hybrid system. The HY-KERS - or Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems – system was briefly used in Formula One in the past two seasons. It stores energy both mechanically (with a flywheel) or electrically (using lithium ion batteries). Energy is released for use when a momentary performance boost is required. Ferrari claims it can obtain a 35 percent emissions reduction without impacting vehicle performance with their drivetrain. Ferrari Mille Chilli In June 2007, Ferrari unveiled the Mille Chili hybrid concept car. Though not intended for production, this lightweight mini sports car was designed to test Ferrari’s first hybrid drivetrain for application in other models in order to meet strengthening emissions standards. Ferrari intends to release a hybrid around 2015 and introduce another concept at an upcoming American auto show. Ford Ford F-150 Plug-In Hybrid Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide displayed a Ford F-150 pickup converted with their F-Drive parallel hybrid drivetrain at the CleanTech OC 2011 Conference and Expo in Irvine, California. Designed with fleet vehicle operators in mind, Quantum says that its F-Drive system provides a “unique combination of low operating costs through substantially increased fuel efficiency, reliability, low maintenance cost, emission reduction benefits and extended range capability.” F-150 PHEV has a 35 mile electric-only range, shifting to hybrid electric mode thereafter for a total range of over 400 miles. The F-Drive, has been integrated in the F150 pickup truck such that there is no impingement into the cab or cargo bed and maintains full ground clearance. Ford Evos Plug-in Hybrid Ford’s gull-winged four-door coupe concept represents the design direction for Ford’s global automotive deign through the end of the 2010’s, according to the company’s representatives. The body structure is Ford’s third generation of “Kinetic” design program, stressing more aerodynamics in both overall body structure and smaller changes, like reducing headlight size and grill shape. The Evos’ plug-in hybrid drivetrain — which promises a total range of 500 miles from a gasoline motor and lithium-ion batteries — would recognize driver behavior and calculate traffic patterns to a preset destination, adjusting engine dynamics to maximize fuel economy. Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Prototype The Escape Plug-in Hybrid prototype is currently being tested by electrical companies to determine the effect of plug-in hybrids on grid infrastructure. Based on testing, the SUV achieves a fuel economy of 120 mpg in town and 70 to 80 mpg on the highway. The prototype has up to a 30-mile all-electric range. Ford Reflex At the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, Ford unveiled the Reflex concept car. The two-seat sports coupe is equipped with a diesel-electric drivetrain that delivers up to an estimated 65 mpg. A second electric motor is attached to the rear axle, giving the Reflex all-wheel-drive capability. The concept uses solar panels to power the headlights and taillights. GMC GMC Denali XT Making its debut at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, the low-slung Denali XT concept is a utility vehicle with an ethanol-capable engine and two-mode hybrid system. The Denali XT concept is built on a car-like unibody frame and gets 50 percent better fuel economy than a comparable small pick-up. Honda Honda CR-Z Mugen Mugen, the tuning branch of this Japanese automaker, has decided to make its own version of the Honda CR-Z hybrid. The CR-Z Mugen will be complete with carbon fiber unibody, vented front bumpers, race-developed suspension, and rear tailgate. It is uncertain whether Mugen kept the regular CR-Z’s 1.5 liter engine and Integrate Motor Assist (IMA) mild hybrid drive train, but previous Mugen concepts have featured the IMA system paired with a supercharged engine. However, we do know that this high-performance version will not reach the production line and is purely a concept car. Honda X-Track Hybrid Honda has created a street-ready version of is hybrid race car. The vehicle has a convertible body that can go from a sleek-aerodynamic street body for better overall efficiency to a light-weight paneling for racing. The X track uses a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), similar to what the Porsche 911 racer has been using. Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept Debuting at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, the Small Hybrid Sports Concept is a two-door hybrid sports compact that uses Honda’s IMA mild hybrid system. Honda reduced weight and decreased dimensions to boost overall mileage. The concept influenced the upcoming CR-Z hybrid, which will be released in 2010. Hyundai Hyundai ix35 Blue Hybrid Hyundai’s efficient “Blue” engine line was on display at the 2010 Paris Auto Show, highlighted by a very mild ix35 Blue Hybrid concept. As the other Blue models do, the ix35 Hybrid is a compact that uses Hyundai's new 1.7-liter diesel engine. Hyundai strapped a five-kilowatt (seven horsepower) electric motor that assists with idle-off functionality, but not much else. As General Motors is also doing, Hyundai may be seeing some fuel and branding advantage to merging diesel technology with a minimal electric drive in order to call it a “diesel-hybrid” vehicle. Hyundai i-flow diesel hybrid Hyundai’s sleek hybrid four-seat coupe concept was revealed at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. Hyundai's first diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain uses a 1.7-liter, two-stage turbodiesel linked with a lithium ion-polymer battery pack. The i-flow is reportedly a parallel hybrid, allowing it to be powered by its lithium-polymer battery pack and electric motors, the diesel engine or a combination of both. The i-flow also features a solar panel roof and a thermo-electric generator which uses exhaust heat from the engine to produce extra power. Rumors are that this will be the platform for production of a Europe-only D Series in 2011 or 2012. Hyundai Nuvis Making its debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show, the Nuvis, called a crossover utility vehicle, uses Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive system with lithium-polymer batteries. The Nuvis has an estimated fuel economy of 40 mpg city / 36 mpg highway. Hyundai Santa Fe Blue Hybrid Introduced at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid incorporates Hyundai’s own full, parallel hybrid system. The Hybrid Blue Drive system uses lithium-polymer batteries, which have a greater energy density than lithium-ion batteries. Projected fuel economy of the SUV is 38 mpg and emissions are 238 g/mile CO2. Infiniti Infiniti Essence At the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, Nissan unveiled the 592-hp luxury coupe Essence that uses Infiniti’s own parallel hybrid drivetrain to achieve a fuel economy around 30 mpg. The Infiniti M Hybrid, which is scheduled to be released in 2010, will likely use a drivetrain that is based on the one in the Essence. Infiniti G35 Hybrid Prototype The G35 Hybrid prototype is a testing mule used by Nissan in 2008 to test a hybrid system with twin-clutches. Engineers claim that the hybrid achieves 40 percent better mileage than the standard G35. The design of the prototype might find itself in the upcoming Infiniti M Hybrid, which is scheduled to be released in 2010. Jaguar Jaguar C-X16 Jaguar introduced a two-seat coupe concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. The C-X16 employs what Jaguar is calling a prototype 3-liter supercharged V-6 engine, which produces 375 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, which is sent through an 8-speed gearbox. The engine is supplemented by a 94-horsepower electric motor that can be engaged by the mere push of a button mounted on the steering wheel, a feature Jaguar calls the Push to Pass system. A lithium-ion battery pack is charged primarily with kinetic energy captured under braking, similar to the KERS systems used on Formula One cars. This is a more conventional hybrid system, not a plug-in hybrid as is planned for their CX-75 supercar. No production version is expected, but Jaguar representatives say that if they were to produce it, the C-X16 would go for around $80-$110,000. Jaguar CX-75 Micro Turbine Hybrid Jaguar joined the ranks of the luxury automakers with hybrid supercars at the 2010 Paris Auto Show with its CX-75 Hybrid sports car. The vehicle is powered by four 195-horsepower electric motors, one in each wheel, paired with a 188-hp gas turbine engine that can recharge the batteries and help extend the car’s range from 68 miles on all-electric power to a total of 560 miles, according to Jaguar. The micro turbine engines are an experimental advance on the conventional gasoline engine, and still pose an engineering and cost challenge to Jaguar. Still, Jaguar is investigating whether it can eventually put this vehicle in production, perhaps in 5-7 years. Jaguar XF Hybrid Jaguar has decided to test its flywheel hybrid drivetrain using an XF sedan model for a concept. The XF Hybrid’s drivetrain stores the energy saved in regenerative braking periods in a flywheel system, which is capable of spinning up to 60,000 rpm and can house enough energy to deliver around 80 horsepower for up to seven seconds. The flywheel system combined with idle-off technology is expected to give the hybrid about a 20 percent boost in fuel economy over the conventional version. Jaguar Limo-Green Jaguar, Lotus, Caparo Vehicle technologies have been working with the UK government to develop a hybrid luxury sedan in a program called Project Limo-Green. The first concept of this work was displayed in the Jaguar 2010 XJ series. The Limo-Green uses a 145 kW, 295 lb-ft electric motor for propulsion, with a lithium-ion battery pack moving the car for 30 miles on a charge. The Lotus-developed 1.2-liter gasoline range extender takes over to provide 600-mile range. Jeep Jeep Patriot EV Debuting at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the Patriot EV is one of three range-extended electric vehicles developed by Chrysler’s ENVI group. Like the others, the SUV is said to have a 40-mile all-electric range and a total range of 400 miles. Chrysler claims that it will have one of its range-extended electric vehicles or battery-electric vehicles on the road by 2010. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV Introduced in September 2008, the Wrangler Unlimited EV is one of three range-extended electric vehicles developed by Chrysler’s ENVI group. Like the others, the SUV is said to have a 40-mile all-electric range and a total range of 400 miles. Chrysler claims that it will have one of its range-extended electric vehicles or battery-electric vehicles on the road by 2010. Jeep Renegade The Renegade is an open-air, off-road extended-range electrical vehicle that made its debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The all-wheel-drive Renegade boasts a 40 mile all-electric range and a total range of 400 miles when the diesel engine kicks in. Jeep claims this vehicle has an equivalent fuel economy of 110 mpg. Kepler Motors Kepler Motion Hybrid Kepler unveiled the Motion concept hybrid sportscar at the 2009 Dubai International Motor Show. The car uses Ford's new Ecoboost engine, a twin turbo direct injection 3.5-liter V-6 to drive the rear wheels, while an electric motor drives the fronts, giving the car all-wheel-drive. Kepler tweaked the gasoline engine to increase the output 550 horsepower, making for a combined 800 horsepower for the powertrain. To keep the weight down, the Motion uses a carbon fiber body, along with carbon ceramic brake rotors. Kepler plans to build only 50 of these vehicles, with production starting in 2011. Kia Kia Forte LPG Hybrid Kia brought a liquid propane (LPG)-electric concept vehicle to the 2010 Las Vegas Auto Show. The hybrid drivetrain includes a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that operates on propane and is coupled to an electric hybrid system, which uses lithium-polymer batteries. Kia noted that liquid propane can be used to power internal combustion engines just like gasoline, but LPG has fewer smog-forming emissions and is cheaper than gas. But with a lack of infrastructure for fueling, chances of a production model are slim. Kia Ray plug-in hybrid coupe Kia’s new plug-in hybrid concept was unveiled at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. The Ray rides on the same 106.3 inch wheelbase as the Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept but the overall length is four inches greater. The debut of the Ray also marks the launch of Kia's new green sub-brand, EcoDynamics. The Ray uses a 4 cylinder, 1.4 liter engine in tandem with a 78 kilowatt electric motor. Like Hyundai the batteries are a lithium-polymer construction. Kia expects a 50-mile electric range, and a 202.3 miles per gallon equivalent when driving in electric only mode and 77.6 mpg when running in hybrid mode. Kia Soul Hybrid Introduced at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the Soul Hybrid is a small, four-door crossover hybrid with an estimated fuel economy of 48 mpg and CO2 emissions of 188 g/mile. Kia does not plan to sell this vehicle in the US. Kia cee'd Hybrid Prototype Unveiled at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the cee’d Hybrid is a five-door hatchback hybrid prototype created to take part in ‘real-world’ test activities. The cee’d Hybrid has an estimated fuel economy of 49 mpg and CO2 emissions of 175 g/mile. Land Rover Land Rover Range_e The British automaker’s Range_e hybrid concept SUV features a 34 horsepower electric motor matched with a 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel engine on a common driveshaft. Land Rover says that their drivetrain will enable 20 miles driving on electric power alone carbon emissions about two-thirds the levels of the Lexus RX 450h. This may be the drivetrain Land Rover uses when it enters the hybrid market, currently pegged at 2013. Land Rover LRX Hybrid Land Rover introduced the diesel-electric LRX Hybrid at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The compact SUV reduces fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent and decreases emissions to about 193 g/mile CO2. Phil Popham, managing director of Jaguar/Land Rover, has said that fuel economy could be as high as 60 mpg. Lexus Lexus LF-A plug-in Hybrid Lexus is readying its LF-A supercar with a $375,000 price tag for release for Model Year 2012. Reports say that Lexus is also testing a plug-in hybrid model of the sports car that would replace the V-10 engine with a 5.0 liter V8. The plug-in system makes sense with the decision by Porsche to begin production of its plug-in hybrid Spyder supercar. No word yet as to whether Toyota plans on putting this vehicle into production. Lexus LF-XH The hybrid SUV crossover LF-XH was introduced by Toyota at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. The crossover concept marries a V6 engine with the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. The LF-XH influenced the design of the third-generation RX-series, which includes the RX 450h hybrid. Lexus LF-Ch hatchback Toyota brought a four-door hatchback Lexus hybrid model to the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. Toyota would not specify the hybrid drivetrain for this model, but both the more efficient four-cylinder version used by the HS 250h, and possibly a diesel drivetrain—something more accepted in Europe—were both under speculation. Lotus Lotus Eterne Hybrid The 2010 Paris Auto Show brought another hybrid concept from Lotus. Pegged for possible production in 2015, the four-door sedan would use a Toyota-sourced 620-horsepower 5.0-liter V8. The hybrid system would use electric motors and a Formula-1-style KERS kinetic energy recuperation system. If it goes into production, its current projected cost is just under $200,000. Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Lotus debuted its hybrid roadster concept at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain accelerate from 0-60mpg in under four seconds, and can travel up to 35 miles on electric power before switching on the combustion engine. The drivetrain merges a 1.2 liter, three-cylinder engine designed specifically for hybrids with lithium polymer batteries that can be recharged through a conventional socket. Lotus Exora Hybrid It seems that Lotus and Malaysian company Proton may be closer to a production hybrid, as they are testing a Exora Hybrid MPV in the UK. The Exora Hybrid prototypes are expected to arrive in Malaysia for further testing by the end of 2009 or latest by early 2010. They could hit the Southeast Asian market as soon as 2011. The Proton hybrid system reportedly uses an electric motor as the main drive and a 1.2 liter 3-cylinder engine is used solely as a generator. Lotus EVE Hybrid Lotus Engineering demonstrated its new EVE (efficient, viable and environmental) hybrid drivetrain on a Proton Gen.2 compact at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. The hybrid technology reduced emissions by 22 percent to 216 g/mile CO2 and improved fuel economy by 28 percent to 50.2 mpg. Reports indicate that a mild hybrid system might be integrated into the new Espirit, which is scheduled to be released in 2011. Marussia Marussia Hybrid Sportscar Popular Russian actor, singer, and race car driver Nikolay Fomenko has created a hybrid concept “super car” that may see production. The Marussia is slated to use a 240-hp, 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine, most likely from Renault or Nissan. For the electric side, Fomenko is reportedly working on the battery temperature issue with using nanotechnology with one of Russia's big construction bureaus. If successfully put into production, the vehicle would likely command a $100,000+ price tag Mercedes Mercedes F125 Plug-in Hybrid Mercedes displayed their fuel cell-electric hybrid vision with this gull-winged sports coupe concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. The F125 is an F-Cell plug-in hybrid that uses both lithium-sulfur batteries and a hydrogen fuel cell to create electricity for the F125’s four electric motors. Combined, the motors produce 231 hp. Mercedes used lightweight fiber-reinforced plastic, carbon fiber, aluminum and high-strength steel, to keep weight to a minimum, helping both performance and range. Mercedes representatives say the F125 can travel up to 31 miles on battery power alone, before switching to power from the fuel cell. The F125 can then travel another 590 miles on hydrogen power before refueling is necessary. Mercedes E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Hybrid The well-known German tuner company Brabus unveiled a hybrid concept based on the Mercedes E 220 CDI at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. The concept car is powered by an 4 electric motors, one for each wheel. Each motor produces 67 hp in Eco mode and 107 hp in Sport mode; peak torque, however, is rated at 1,180 lb-ft. The 2.2-liter, turbodiesel engine gets Brabus’ ECO PowerXtra D3 kit, boosting power to 200 hp and 332 lb-ft, an increase from 170 hp and 295 lb-ft from the conventional E 220. Brabus states that 0-62 mph acceleration time improves from 8.7 to 7.4 seconds. The hybrid is said to run in all-electric mode for up to 75 miles depending on mode and driving style. The 18.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is charged by regenerative braking or by plugging into a fast or normal charger. The total driving range is 350 Km (217 miles). Mercedes F800 Style hydrogen hybrid Mercedes brought a fuel cell hybrid sedan to the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. F800 Style can travel for 18 miles and 75mph on electric power alone after being plugged in overnight -- and when it runs out of gasoline it can drive for another 375 miles on hydrogen. The hybrid drivetrain pairs lithium ion batteries with a six-cylinder engine capable of 300 horsepower, or 409 horsepower when the electric motors kick in capable of 0-62mpg in 4.7 seconds. Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Concept – CT MIEV At the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, Mitsubishi unveiled their Concept-CT MIEV. The hybrid compact has a motor built into each of its four wheels, achieving all-wheel drive. An AutoWeek report quoted a Mitsubishi executive as saying, "The prototype is in a highly finished state...This is not just a styling exercise." He noted that if the car is sold in the US, it may be based on the next-generation Colt. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Mitsubishi is planning a more fuel efficient upgrade to the gas-guzzling Lancer Evo. According to the president of Mitsubishi Motors, the next generation Lancer Evo will be a dedicated hybrid or plug in. To preserve the all-wheel-drive performance aspect of the brand, the hybrid will employ in-wheel electric motors. An all-electric prototype was formerly developed in 2005, but was limited by battery range and charging time Mitsubishi PX-MiEV II Mitsubishi has unveiled a new version of its plug-in hybrid SUV based on the automaker's PX-MiEV concept debuted at the 2009 Tokyo auto show. The PX- iMiEV II plug-in hybrid is essentially a hybrid version of the Outlander Sport and has a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine paired with two 60kW electric motors. Mitsubishi plans a drivetrain similar to the Chevy Volt’s Voltec system. The vehicle would feature a 31 mile all electric range at low speeds, with a small gas-powered range extender to power the battery. The iMiEV II is estimated to have a price tag around $42,000, with an estimated 141.1 combined miles per gallon. Nissan Nissan Elure Nissan says it is looking to “reimagine” the sedan class with the hybrid concept unveiled at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicle is a front-wheel-drive with a supercharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and a 25 kW electric motor. The drivetrain is still in a design process, as Nissan called it a “next-generation” system not ready to be tested. Opel Opel Flextreme GT-E General Motors is keeping European Opel, and plans to use the drivetrain of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, its upcoming extended-range electric vehicle, in various vehicles across the globe. Its Opel Flextreme concept is the fourth concept using the Voltec drivetrain. At more than 15 feet long, the Flextreme GT-E boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.22, better than any production car today. The Flextreme has the same 40-mile electric range as the Volt, along with more than 300 miles from its range-extending engine. The Flextreme concept has lightweight carbon-composite body panels, polycarbonate windows, and structural components built of aluminum alloys. Against the usual construction, these materials cut weight by 40 percent, again in the service of extending its range. Opel Corsa Hybrid GM introduced a diesel hybrid prototype of its Corsa sedan at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. he subcompact debuts GM’s next generation belt-alternator-starter (BAS) lithium-ion hybrid system. The Corsa boasts a fuel economy of an estimated 63 mpg and emissions of 159 g/mile CO2. Opel Flextreme Presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Flextreme uses a diesel version of GM’s Voltec system. The compact has an all-electric range of 34 miles, total range of 444 miles, and emissions of only 64 g/mile CO2. A rebadged version of the concept debuted at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show as the Saturn Flextreme. Peugeot Peugeot HX-1 Plug-In Hybrid French automaker Peugeot revealed a six-seat luxury crossover diesel hybrid at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. There may be tentative plans for the HX-1 to become the new top-of-the-line production vehicle for Peugeot, a replacement for the 607 which ended production at the end of 2010. HX1 is powered by Peugeot's diesel-electric Hybrid4 system, currently offered on the 3008 and also earmarked for the 508RXH. It consists of a 204hp, 2.2 liter four-cylinder diesel engine that powers the front wheels, and a 95hp electric motor that draws energy from a plug-in lithium-ion battery pack and drives the rear wheels via a single electric motor. Peugeot clams combined economy 73.4mpg on the European scale and an electric-only range of 18.6 miles. Five by Peugeot Peugeot unveiled its luxury hybrid sedan at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. It is powered by the same Hybrid4 hybrid-diesel drivetrain that will run the Citroën D5. Five by Peugeot’s drivetrain totals 200 hp, with a 163-hp 2.0L diesel engine and 37-hp electric motor. According to Citroën, it will emit less than 100g/km of carbon-dioxide emissions. Peugeot SR1 Hybrid Roadster In January, French automaker gave an early look at its hybrid sportscar concept, originally slotted for a 2010 Geneva Auto Show debut. The drivetrain is Peugeot's HYbrid4 technology, which pairs a small 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels with a 95-horsepower electric motor at the rear. The all-wheel drive, through-the-road hybrid system will make its production debut in 2010 inside the 3008 crossover in Europe only, with other models to follow not long after that. Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 The first slotted production model hybrid-diesel drivetrain came to the 2008 Frankfurt Auto Show in Peugeot’s crossover SUV model. Peugeot expects the diesel hybrid to provide fuel savings of up to 35 percent over a non-hybridized engine with the same performance. The drivetrain has a 163-horsepower, 2.0-liter diesel engine powering the front wheels, the rear-mounted 37-hp electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, or both at the same time. They will release this vehicle to Europe only beginning in 2010. Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4 One of three vehicles to debut the HYmotion4 hybrid system at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the Prologue HYmotion4 is a diesel-electric crossover hybrid. The Prologue achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 57.4 mpg and CO2 emissions of 175 g/mile. The HYmotion4 system will be first used in the Peugeot 3008 CUV, which is scheduled to be released by 2011. Peugeot RC HYmotion4 One of three vehicles to debut the HYmotion4 hybrid system at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the RC HYmotion4 is a diesel-electric GT coupe hybrid. The RC achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 52.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 175 g/mile. The HYmotion4 system will be first used in the Peugeot 3008 CUV, which is scheduled to be released by 2011. Peugeot 308 Hybride HDi At the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, Peugeot introduced the diesel-electric 308 Hybride. The small family car achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 69 mpg and emits 38 percent fewer CO2 emissions than its non-hybrid counterpart. Peugeot has said that its Hybride HDi vehicles could hit dealers as early as 2010 if the price gap between gasoline and diesel vehicles can be reduced. Peugeot 307 CC Hybride HDi Presented at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show, the diesel-electric 307 CC Hybride achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 70 mpg. The small family convertible can run on biodiesel. Peugeot has said that its Hybride HDi vehicles could hit dealers as early as 2010 if the price gap between gasoline and diesel vehicles can be reduced. Porsche Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in Hybrid Porsche went plug-in for the first time at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show with its Spyder plug-in hybrid concept. According to Porsche representatives, the vehicle supposedly goes 0 to 60mph in 3.2 seconds, gets 78 miles per gallon (though that’s likely on a full battery charge), and can go 16 miles on pure electric charge. The car weighs a relatively light 3,285 lbs (including batteries) thanks to carbon-reinforced plastic body panels and an aluminum and magnesium chassis. Porsche CEO Michael Macht said that after the positive reaction in Geneva, “There is no one inside Porsche who doesn't want to build the 918.” Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Though it’s been racing with it for a while, the Porsche 911 hybrid made its debut as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. Two 60kw electric engines supplement the six-cylinder engine, and an electrical flywheel power generator delivers energy to the electric motors. While promising reduced fuel use and emissions, no estimates have thus far been provided. Proton Proton Hybrid Concept Malaysian automaker Proton, which has worked with Lotus on hybrids before, unveiled its own 5-door compact hybrid concept at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. Working with Italian design firm Italdesign Giugiaro, the hatchback concept can accommodate five passengers. It s about 3.5 meters long and has a high roof to increase the cabin space. Saab Saab 9-X 'Air' BioHybrid Developed in parallel with the 9-X BioHybrid, the 9-X ‘Air’ BioHybrid is a convertible hybrid that debuted at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. The concept is optimized for running on E85 on which it emits 172 g/mile CO2, but it can also run on gasoline. Saab 9-X BioHybrid Debuting at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, the 9-X BioHybrid is a compact hybrid optimized for running on E85 but able to run on gasoline, as well. The concept achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 37 mpg and emits 169 g/mile CO2 when running on E85. Industry buzz suggests that the concept will hit showrooms as the 9-1. Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept Premiering at the 2006 Stockholm Motor Show, the BioPower Hybrid Concept is a modified 9-3 convertible that uses the two-mode hybrid system and an electric rear-drive unit. The concept can run on any combination of ethanol and gasoline. It has an all-electric range between 6.2 and 12.4 miles. Seat Seat IBL Plug-in Hybrid Spanish automaker Seat brought its first plug-in hybrid concept sedan to the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. But it’s expected to provide styling inspiration for the next Leon and Toledo European sedans first. Both will use VW Golf platforms, plus engines from within the VW Group. Seat representatives have not elaborated on the technology that makes up the hybrid drivetrain. Stratasys Inc Urbee Plug-in Hybrid Minneapolis-based Stratasys has brought is sub-compact concept car to the 2010 Las Vegas Auto Show. According to Stratasys, the Urbee gets 200mpg highway, 100mpg city. Also, the car can be charged overnight from any standard home electrical outlet. Alternate charging options include renewable energy from a windmill or a solar-panel array small enough to fit atop a single-car garage. Stratasys says it will make a production version of this vehicle, but has not announced any release dates. Subaru Subaru B5-TPH At the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show, Subaru introduced the B5-TPH hybrid. The 3-door hatchback has a turbo parallel hybrid (TPH) powertrain that uses a boxer turbo engine. Subaru plans to enter the hybrid market by 2012 with help from Toyota, which owns a 16-percent stake in the company. Suzuki Maruti/Suzuki SX-4 Hybrid Maruti, the Indian division of Suzuki Motor Company, introduced its first hybrid concept car, a four-door compact, at the 2010 Indian Auto Expo. The full parallel hybrid drivetrain employs lithium-ion battery technology, a 1.2-liter gasoline engine, an automated manual transmission and a 50 kW electric motor. Maruti says the vehicle nets a 25 percent improvement in efficiency over the conventional version. Suzuki Swift plug-in Hybrid Suzuki introduced its plug-in compact concept hybrid at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. The concept is designed primarily to be driven only on electric power on short day-to-day drives. It is powered by a 55kW electric motor with plug-in charging capability and has a 0.66 liter combustion engine that acts as a generator. The vehicle can run solely on the electric motor for about 12.5 miles and beyond that the engine will kick in. Toyota Toyota MR2 Hybrid Sports Car Toyota and racing partner Gazoo have teamed up to create a new version of the now-defunct MR2 sports car, only this time, it’s a hybrid. Unlike the Honda CR-Z hybrid, this concept has opted for far more muscle, using a 3.3-liter V6 engine with the Hybrid Synergy Drive to deliver almost 400 hp combined. The lithium-ion battery pack weighs the vehicle down, but rumor has it going 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. No fuel economy estimates have been revealed. There are rumors that the MR2 could go into production by 2011, but that is currently only speculation. Lexus LF-Ch hatchback Toyota brought a four-door hatchback Lexus hybrid model to the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. Toyota would not specify the hybrid drivetrain for this model, but both the more efficient four-cylinder version used by the HS 250h, and possibly a diesel drivetrain—something more accepted in Europe—were both under speculation. Toyota now looks to be bringing a new version to the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, and it may just be a production model. Toyota Camry Hybrid CNG Toyota paired its Hybrid Synergy Drive with a natural-gas engine for the Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association Auto Show. This is a modified version of the car shown in Los Angeles in 2008. CNG Hybrid uses twin CNG tanks in the trunk of a Camry Hybrid, whose gasoline 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and Hybrid Synergy Drive was adapted to run on it. Toyota A-BAT Toyota showcased its compact, unibody pickup concept, the A-BAT, at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. PickupTrucks.com has reported that the A-BAT was given a green light for production, but the project has been put on indefinite hold. Toyota 1/X Introduced by Toyota at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, the 1/X concept plug-in hybrid hatchback weighs a third as much as the Prius and almost achieves double its fuel efficiency—an estimated combined 90-plus mpg. The weight-reduction is partly due to the use of high-strength, carbon-fiber materials. Toyota Hi-CT Toyota presented its boxy, plug-in hybrid “urban truck,” the Hi-CT concept, at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. The Hi-CT has a removable trunk and an AC 100V accessory socket. Toyota RiN Resembling a greenhouse on wheels, the RiN is a plug-in hybrid concept that made its debut at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. With features like a humidifier and leaf-shaped pedals, the RiN “focuses on increased comfort and serene and healthy living.” Toyota Hybrid X At the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, Toyota unveiled its Hybrid X concept. The hybrid sedan features an ultra-modern design and uses the Hybrid Synergy Drive. Toyota F3R Attempting to reinvent the minivan, Toyota released the F3R at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. A design exercise, the hybrid minivan highlights a lounge interior and uses environmentally-friendly materials. Toyota Tundra Hybrid Toyota is partnering with Ford to produce a new hybrid version of its full-size Tundra pickup. This partnership will likely lead to a new hybrid Ford F-150 as well. Toyota’s continued expansion of its range of hybrid applications with its first full-size pickup hybrid is part of a larger effort by the company to double its hybrid sales by 2015. Toyota Volta At the 2004 Geneva Auto Show, Toyota unveiled its series hybrid sports car concept, the Volta. The Italian-designed Volta boasts an estimated 0-60 time in just over four seconds while still offering around 30 mpg. Despite rampant rumors to the contrary, a Toyota representative we spoke with in January 2006 said that there are no current plans to produce the Volta. Toyota FTX Hybrid Presented at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, the FTX Hybrid is a massive, hybrid truck concept powered by a large-displacement V8 engine. The FTX is the forerunner of the future Tundra Hybrid, which has been delayed until at least 2013 or 2014 according to rumors coming out of Toyota. Volkswagen Volkswagen XL1 Hybrid It looks like Volkswagen has finally decided to produce an XL1 hybrid for commercial use in Germany. The XL-1 Volkswagen diesel-hybrid coupe concept is said to deliver more than 260 mpg, and it actually gets better gas mileage than the original L1 concept despite upsizing the diesel engine. This is the second time production rumors of the XL1 diesel hybrid have occurred, but this time the rumors have been confirmed by VW Group CEO Martin Winterkorn. No word yet on actual mileage numbers or emissions statistics for the production model, but stay tuned. Volkswagen New Compact Coupe VW brought its new compact concept hybrid to the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The vehicle features a full hybrid drivetrain comprised of a 1.4-liter, 150 hp gasoline engine paired with a 27-hp electric motor fueled from a lithium-ion battery. VW says the concept would be good for 45 miles per gallon on the U.S. government's combined city/highway scale. This vehicle could be part of a redesign process for the 2011 Jetta or Golf, but there are no reports of either becoming available. Volkswagen Up Lite Hybrid Volkswagen unveiled this four-seat compact to the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is a diesel hybrid, like the smaller L1 concept, and uses a 51-horsepower 0.8-liter 2-cylinder TDI turbodiesel engine, and a 10-kilowatt electric motor. The ultra-light 1,530 pound vehicle may be good for up to 70 mpg, but there are no immediate plans to add the hybrid to the production version of the Up beginning in 2010. Volkswagen Golf TwinDrive Introduced by Volkswagen in June 2008, the Golf TwinDrive plug-in hybrid concept has an all-electric range of 31 miles and an estimated fuel economy of 113 mpg on the European cycle. The diesel-electric hybrid hatchback will begin fleet testing in 2010, but is projected to enter production no earlier than 2015. Motortrend has reported that the production version will use a gasoline engine. The Audi A3 may also incorporate the TwinDrive system. Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid At the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, Volkswagen displayed a diesel-electric hybrid version of the Golf, known as the Rabbit in the US. The parallel hybrid hatchback achieves a fuel economy of an estimated 69 mpg and CO2 emissions under 145 g/mile. Volkswagen Touran Hybrid Prototype In 2004, Volkswagen tested their Touran Hybrid minivan prototype against the same model with a diesel engine. The diesel delivered better fuel economy. So, Volkswagen stated that the company will not put hybrids into quantity production until the fuel economy and cost improve. The hybrid prototype achieved a fuel economy of an estimated 39 mpg. Volkswagen L1 hybrid First seen at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the ultra-slim 2-seater uses a hybrid-diesel drivetrain to get an estimated 170 mpg. It has a 0.8-liter two-cylinder diesel engine integrated with an electric motor. Volkswagen estimates a range of 416 miles on its 2.6 gallon tank. Volvo Volvo You Concept Unveiled as a sedan at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, new You concept focuses mainly on the new overall design for the future of Volvo than one particular drivetrain application. Inclusive is new Volvo Environmental Architecture (VEA) philosophy to focus on engines no larger than four-cylinders for all models, and to ensure that each engine is designed with hybrid applications in mind - which it will need to power larger models while keeping fuel-economy high. Volvo V-70 Plug-In Hybrid Volvo is using its V-70 plug-in hybrid concept as part of its future plans to give all future models the ability to accommodate a rear-axle electric motor and battery for enabling a plug-in hybrid option, according to Paul Gustavsson, Volvo’s Vice President Business Development and Electrification Strategy. The V70 is a diesel hybrid, projected to have up to 31 miles of all-electric drive and a fuel economy projected at 124 mpg on the European test cycle. Volvo C-30 DRIVe Hydrogen Hybrid Volvo has taken a step toward fuel cell development with a concept vehicle designed to have a 94 mile range. It will feature a fuel cell and a reformer, with the reformer working to create hydrogen from gasoline and this is being used to expand the range of the car by as much as 155 miles. Volvo Plug-in Hybrid The partnership between Swedish energy company Vattenfall and Volvo has yielded a diesel plug-in hybrid vehicle. The V70 plug-in prototype has an 11.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged in five hours using a standard household outlet. The demonstration vehicle will use 71 percent of its battery pack to power the rear wheels for about 30 miles. After that, the diesel engine turns on and drives the front wheels. Vattenfall is designing charging systems that could be available in Swedish cities and homes by 2012, but no word on introduction to the U.S. market. Volvo ReCharge Introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the ReCharge plug-in hybrid concept is capable of going 62 miles on battery power alone, with a 1.6-liter flex fuel engine for longer drives. The converted compact C30 can drive 93 mile with a full battery charge and 0.73 gallons of gas. Volvo has announced that it intends to release a plug-in hybrid by 2012. Yo-Automotive Yo-Auto Plug-in Hybrid Series At the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, Russian upstart auto company Yo-Auto displayed its hybrid vehicle concepts. Three of them, the Yo CrossCoupe, Yo Microvan and Yo Furgon sedan will all hit the market, but not initially as hybrid vehicles, but as dual fuel vehicles that can run on liquid petroleum gas or regular gasoline. The concept vehicle is a four-seat coupe with a unique aerodynamic shape and doors the open through the rear frame of the body. According to Russian newspaper reports the plug-in concepts have a battery pack that fuels the electric-motor for a certain number of miles. The battery is charged from a 220 Volt socket. When the battery depletes, there is a gasoline engine providing additional range. The company is a joint venture between truck maker Yarovit and Onexim investment group, owned by billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov who also owns the American basketball team, the New Jersey Nets. Work started last month on a new plant near St Petersburg and Prokhorov has said he wants to make a unique eco-friendly hybrid car which would cost less than $10,000 . Buyer Beware the Hollow Hybrids: Some vehicles have been introduced or will be introduced to the market with the hybrid label, but really only use some conventional technology improvements to gain marginal fuel economy improvements. Such improvements would be laudable if introduced as standard options throughout a model fleet. But to make these improvements to only a small number of vehicles and use the "hybrid label" to gain a greener stature undermines the integrity of the hybrid market. We have labeled these vehicles as "hollow hybrids" and, as a "caveat emptor" for hybrid consumers, we list these models below. Conventional Vehicles profiting from the hybrid image 2005-2008 GMC Sierra "hybrid" pickup 2005 Dodge Ram "hybrid" diesel pickup 2005-2008 Chevrolet Silverado "hybrid" pickup 2007-2009 Saturn Green Line Vue SUV 2007-2009 Saturn Green Line Aura sedan 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu "hybrid" sedan

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Hybrid Vehicle Timeline

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Hybrids on the Horizon

Non-U.S. Hybrids:

In Concept (no production or release date):

Buyer Beware the Hollow Hybrids:

Conventional Vehicles profiting from the hybrid image

1997 | 1999 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012-2016
Non-US Hybrids | Concept Hybrids | "Hollow Hybrids"