The Coolest Electrics and Hybrids You Know and Some You Don't

Tesla Roadster
Step on the accelerator and go... 0 to 60 in less the 4 seconds...top speed of 125 mph, with a mixed city and highway estimated range of 244 miles. Recharge in 3.5 hours at an average of 2 cents per mile. Base purchase price of $105,000. Order with a reservation fee of $9,900. Available in the U.S., Europe and Canada.

Lightning GT
Estimated range of 188 miles after a standard charge of 4.5 hours, the Lightning GT will have a top end limited to 130 mph. 0 to 60 under 5 seconds. Currently only available to order in the U.K. with a reservation fee of £3,500. Base purchase price of £120,000



Aptera 2E
The 2E is the all electric model and has a range of 100 miles with an overnight recharge on 110v, faster with 220v. The hybrid will have a range of 350 miles. 0 to 60 in under 10 seconds with standard mode and 3 driving modes available, standard, sport, and economy. Top speed will be limited to 90 mph. A reservation fee of $500 is required, California residents only. Depending on options and power trains, the car is estimated to sell between $25,000 and $40,000.

Fisker Karma
A hybrid, with a small gasoline motor, the Karma drives its first 50 miles all electric. 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph. Two driving modes, Stealth Drive, economy, and Sport Drive. A deposit of $5,000 for the Karma and the Karma S, convertable, will require a $25,000 deposit. Available in North America and Europe, the base price is $87,900.


Velozzi Supercar
To be powered by a 770 HP AC induction electric motor, the Supercar will be able to accelerate from 0-60mph in only 3 seconds, with a top speed of over 200 mph. The first 200 miles will be driven 100% by battery power and then at a predetermined discharge rate will switch to a diesel fueled Capstone microturbine to recharge the batteries on the fly, extending the range to 1000 miles. Pricing unavailable.

Porsche 918 Spyder
Concept car shown at the Geneva Auto Show, the 918 a hybrid capable of a 16 mile range in E Drive with electric power alone and then Hybrid Drive which will utilize the 3.4L V8 and electric drives, Sport Hybrid mode uses both systems with the focus on performance, and then Race Hybrid which is running at full perfomance. With the battery sufficiently charged, a push-to-pass button feeds in additional electrical power (E-Boost), when overtaking or for even better performance. The high-revving V8 develops more than 500 horsepower and a maximum engine speed of 9,200 rpm – as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle with overall mechanical output of 218 horsepower. 0 to 60 under 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph.




BMW Vision EfficentDynamics
An all wheel drive plug in hybrid concept with a three cylinder diesel motor and an electric motor on both the front and rear axle combining for an overall 356 horsepower. 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds with an electronically limited top end of 155 mph. In all electric mode the car is able to cover 31 miles.


Honda CR-Z
Honda's CR-Z Sport hybrid-electric has a 1.5L 4 cylinder with IMA (intergrated motor assist). The CR-Z has a three mode drive system (Sport/Normal/ECON). The motor is rated at 122 horsepower. With a late summer of 2010 introduction, 0 to 60, top speed and pricing were unavailable.


Toyota FT-HS
Toyota's Concept Sports Car hybrid debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. A front-engine, rear-drive sports car with a projected zero-to-60 acceleration in the four-second range. A powerful V6, 3.5L-engine is coupled with a 21st century sports hybrid system with a target power output of approximately 400-horsepower.

Ferrari HY-KERS
The HY-KERS vettura laboratorio (experimental vehicle) at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. Ferrari adapted an advanced, lightweight hybrid drivetrain to the 599 GTB Fioranounveiled. Ferrari developed a new kind of electric motor coupled to the rear of the dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission. It operates through one of the transmission’s two clutches and engages one of the two gearbox primary shafts. Thus power is coupled seamlessly and instantaneously between the electric motor and the V12. This experimental vehicle thus maintains the high-performance characteristics typical of all Ferraris while, at the same time, reducing CO2 emissions on the ECE + EUDC combined cycle by 35 per cent.

NLV Quant
Prototype rear wheeled drive and battery powered with 4 electric motors with an estimated 800 bhp, on a carbon fiber chassis with carbon body. The projected specs are 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds with a top speed of 234 mph.




Audi A8 Hybrid
A technology concept at the Geneva Auto Show, the A8 was powered by a 2.0 TFSI and an electric motor, which produced 245 horsepower and 354.03 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 145 mph.


Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid
3.5L V6 and an electric motor, a seven speed automatic combine for 295 horsepower. 0 to 60 in 7.2 seconds with this mild hybrid. MSRP $87,950




Nissan Pivo
All electric concept powered by Nissan's compact, high-performance lithium-ion battery and its unique Super Motor, resulted in zero emissions. Introduced at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show, the cabin revolved 360 degrees eliminating the need to reverse. No specs were available as to performance or cuteness.