With more and more manufacturers getting into the electric vehicle (EV) race, the industry is thriving. The electric infrastructure is growing and the federal government is helping drivers offset the costs of buying an electric vehicle by offering a tax credit of up to $7,500. This makes it easier for drivers to cut the gas station out of their lives, kick their petrol dependency, and scoot around town in a tailpipe-less car. Our editors at CarsDirect found the best electric cars (we even threw in a plug-in hybrid) that are either available now, or set for a spring/summer 2012 release. Keep in mind that these EVs will also require a home charging station, which has to be added into the total cost of the vehicle.
The Leaf beat-out Tesla's Model S because of its availability and affordability ($27,700 after the $7,500 federal tax credit). Acceleration in the Leaf is like flipping a switch, with 100 percent torque right off the line. We like the Leaf because, while it's great for the daily commute, its flexible and spacious interior won't keep you from living your life either. Fold down the rear seats to fit a bike, or keep them erect and place four small suitcases in the rear cargo area. The Leaf boasts a driving range of 62-138 miles, but EPA testing gives the Leaf approximately 73 miles per charge. On the go and need to find a charging station? The 2012 Leaf can locate charging stations via the standard navigation system. At the end of the day, the Nissan Leaf gets 106/92 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent, which is the energy present in one gallon of gasoline if you converted that gallon into electricity), making it an excellent value for short-range driving.
From top to bottom, the Tesla Model S is quite possibly the most amazing and innovative vehicle to hit the road in years. Not only does it look like a sleek, high-class luxury car, but it drives like a noiseless turbocharged V8. There are three battery options and a top-range of 300 miles, so you can drive without limitations. A lightning-quick 4.4-second zero to 60-time will throw you back in your seat as you reach a top speed of 130 mph. A massive standard 17-inch touchscreen is unlike anything you've seen, just like the ability to seat seven, in a midsize sedan. The Model S can be a fun toy for dad or a roomy family sedan that can fit two kids in the rear facing seats that fold flat when not in use. Like a seductress, the Model S will keep customers waiting until summer 2012 before they can get a taste of pure-electric bliss. Considering that you get all of this for $49,900 (after the $7,500 federal tax rebate), the Model S is an amazing car and a tremendous value.
Ford's first entrant in the EV bonanza carries an established name. The 2012 Ford Focus Electric looks very much like its gas-only twin, but without the tailpipe. The gas-only Focus gets more horsepower, but the electric Focus has more torque and better acceleration. Thanks to an onboard charger, the electric Focus takes 3-4 hours to charge, which is faster than the Leaf. The electric Focus can drive between 85-100 miles on a charge, while a one hour charge will give you 30 miles of range in case you're in a hurry. An interactive cluster display uses blue butterflies to represent the surplus range beyond one's charge point destination - the more butterflies there are, the greater the range. With a base price of $31,700 (after the federal rebate), you will still have to shell-out $1,499 for a home charging station.
Even if you live in a tree, eat granola and your last name is Green, you still can't get any greener than the most-efficient vehicle around - the electric 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV. With a combined 112 MPGe (126/99 city/highway), the Mitsubishi i-MiEV beat out the Leaf and hydrogen-powered Honda Civic, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy. With a base price of $21,625 (after the $7,500 federal tax rebate), the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is the most affordable electric car that's not a golf cart. A regular 120V charger (the same you use for home appliances) takes 22.5 hours to fully charge the i-MiEV, while a 240V charger takes just seven hours. For quickest charge times, a public quick-charger port delivers an 80 percent charge in as little as 30 minutes.
Like the Chevy Volt, the Prius Plug-in is not a dedicated EV and has a gas engine that kicks in when the battery is spent. The Prius Plug-in's battery has a range of 15 miles and a top speed of 62 mph. If you run out of electric charge, the gas engine picks up and seamlessly shifts into hybrid mode, giving you regular Prius mpg estimates. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid gets an estimated 87 MPGe when operating within its 15-mile range, and a 49 estimated mpg in hybrid mode. Because of the size of its battery, the Prius Plug-in is eligible for a $2,500 federal tax credit, bringing the MSRP down to $29,000. Because of its limited range, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is ideal for those who have limited commutes and don't have to drive more than 15 miles on a regular basis.
The Best Electric Car Kits to Buy
How to Apply for a Hybrid Car Tax Break
Electric Car Guide
Car Pricing Hybrid & Electric Vehicles
The 5 Most Popular Electric Cars for Sale and How to Buy One for the Cheapest Price
