No longer an experimental side note in the auto industry's quest for new, fuel-efficient technology, today's electric vehicle is a fully functional automobile capable of transporting you through the heavy demands of daily life — without the burden of pit stops at the pump. Gone are the glorified golf carts of earlier days and in their place is a diverse and growing field of electric-powered cars that cater to a wide variety of lifestyles. From budget coupes to family-friendly crossovers to high-performance sports cars, modern electric cars come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges.
Chevrolet Volt This series-hybrid is powered solely by an electric drive unit, and makes for a great commuter vehicle. Best of all, this four-passenger sedan can be plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet to recharge overnight.
GEM e4 This small neighborhood runabout is perfect for quick jaunts to the store down quiet suburban streets. Running solely off an all-electric 12-horsepower electric motor, the GEM e4 won't be winning any street races; however, it is capable of driving on public roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.