Nissan Leaf
Revealed in 2009 as the "world's first affordable, zero-emission car," the Nissan Leaf averages 100 miles on its battery and is 100 percent electric. By January 2012, Nissan had sold 10,000of the five-passenger models in the United States after only one year of production.
Prius Third Generation
Marketed -- and often derided -- as the "iconic" hybrid, Toyota's Prius models are still the best-selling hybrids on U.S. and international markets. Most of the Prius hybrids are five-passenger vehicles that offer 50 mpg, and the newest models, the Prius C (Compact) and Prius PEV (plug-in) get even better mileage, with some reviews on the PEV claiming an efficiency rate of 100 mpg.
A recent column in a Florida daily reports that dealers can't keep up with demand for the Prius C, which is driving up the price with an average lot-time of eight days. It may be too mainstream for today's eco-minded hipster drivers, but Prius hybrids are still among the most economic options out there.
