Photo gallery: Electric vehicles lineup
Technically, the nice-handling Volt is the first plug-in hybrid to reach the mass market. It is a well-equipped four-door hatchback with an all-electric range of 25 to 50 miles per charge depending on weather and driving habits. When the battery runs out of juice, a four-cylinder gasoline engine kicks in, generating electricity to power the Volt an additional 300 miles. The price starts at $41,000. The Volt qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit but not the $2,500 California rebate, and it doesn’t qualify for carpool lane permits. Chevrolet said changes to the car — expected midway through the 2012 model year — should make it eligible for such incentives. The Volt has earned a “top safety pick” designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star overall safety rating from the
The Leaf was the first mass-market all-electric vehicle available in the U.S. and is the sales champ among EVs and plug-ins. It is a competent, small hatchback that seats four passengers comfortably and has room for a modest luggage load. Nissan says drivers will get 70 to 120 miles per charge, depending on weather and driving habits. The
This will be the all-electric version of Honda’s popular Fit sub-compact car. It will go on sale next year, but Honda has not provided any price information. The automaker says the car will have a top speed of 90 mph and get 100 miles per charge. But Honda adds that it expects the
Mitsubishi plans to introduce the car as an entry-level subcompact battery electric vehicle in November. The i will start at $27,990. An additional $2,000 will buy the SE trim level with alloy wheels, a fancier audio system and other amenities. Mitsubishi said the car will have a range of 63 to 98 miles. It seats four adults but has minimal cargo space unless the rear two seats are folded down. The car is expected to qualify for all federal and state incentives. It will be eligible for a carpool lane permit. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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With its Jaguar-like good looks, the Model S seems on track to be the first premium electric sedan. Prototypes offer ample seating for five adults. The sedan will have some zip, with an anticipated zero-to-60-mph acceleration in less than six seconds. The car, scheduled to start sales in 2012, will start at $57,400 and have three battery pack options, providing 160 to 300 miles per charge depending on the battery pack. It is expected to qualify for federal and state incentives and carpool lane permits. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)
