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| Hybrid Cars | ||||||||||
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• Hybrid cars currently available • Hybrid cars in the news • Hybrids in development, Future technologies • Hybrid car owner comments |
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| The one consumer decision most people make which impacts the greatest on the environment is the choice of car we drive. | ||||||||||
| Hybrid Cars offer drivers an innovative, efficient, and affordable option. After years of 'on the road' development, gas-electric hybrid cars have become a practical choice for consumers. The Toyota Prius, the most successful mass-market hybrid and the best-selling hybrid car, is now in its thirteenth year on the US market. | 
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| A
hybrid car features a small fuel-efficient gas engine combined with an
electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. The electric
motor is powered by batteries that recharge automatically while you drive.
There are two types of gasoline-electric hybrid cars: the parallel hybrid and the series hybrid. In a parallel hybrid car, a gasoline engine and an electric motor work together to move the car forward, while in a series hybrid the gasoline engine either directly powers an electric motor that powers the vehicle or charges batteries that will power the motor. Hybrid cars also gain efficiency from: |
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| Smaller
and more efficient engines. Regenerative braking - the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down. Periodic engine shut off - when a hybrid car is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shut off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear. Advanced aerodynamics - to reduce drag Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires - narrow, stiffer tires have less drag Lightweight materials - increases the efficiency of hybrid cars. Hybrid cars cost more than their non-hybrid counterparts, but due to steady gains in technology, the hybrid price premium is coming down. New affordable hybrid sedans, and improved versions of existing hybrids, are expected to at least double hybrid market share in the next five years, from about 2.5 percent in 2010 to 5 percent or higher in the next five years. A more recent development in hybrid technology is "plug-in" hybrid cars. These models offer the same benefits as hybrid cars, with the added benefit of being able to be plugged in to home electric outlets for recharging when the car is not in use. This extends the range for the"electric-only" driving mode, leading to increased mileage and fuel savings. These gas-electric hybrid cars are now available in North America. There are other hybrid models which are not on this list due to their less than impressive fuel economy ratings. |
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| Honda Civic Hybrid Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Toyota Prius Toyota Prius V Toyota Camry Hybrid Kia Optima Hybrid Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid |
Honda Insight Hybrid Ford C-Max Hybrid Ford Fusion Hybrid Lexus 250h Hybrid Lexus 450h Hybrid SUV Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV |
*Ford Escape Hybrid SUV *Saturn Vue Hybrid *Saturn Aura Hybrid *Chevy Malibu Hybrid *Nissan Altima Hybrid *Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV * no longer being built |
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| 2013
Honda Civic Hybrid 4 door/5 seat sedan Transmission: CVT automatic or manual Mileage (city/highway combined)): 45 mpg Range per fillup: 650 miles 2012 US Base Retail Price: $24,050 |
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| Features Full climate control, Micron air filtration Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC) New USB Audio Interface Available: Satellite linked navigation w/ voice recognition |
Dual-Stage Front and Dual Side Airbags Anti-Theft Immobilizer Available: Bluetooth HandsFreeLink® Tire Pressure Monitoring System Indicator Eco Assist fuel efficiency indicator |
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| Specifications
110-hp,8-Valve, SOHC, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine with Integrated Motor Assist IMA® Drive-By-Wire™ Throttle System; Dual-point sequential ignition system Electric Power Steering (EPS), variable-assist rack-and-pinion, Lithium-ion battery Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 12.3 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Tires: P185/70R14 LLR (low rolling-resistance) on 14" aluminum alloy wheels; All-Season Radials 2013 is the first model year that the Civic Hybrid will be made in the US. |
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| 2013
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 4 door/5 seat sedan Transmission: 6-speed automatic Mileage (mpg): 36 city/ 40 hwy Range per fillup: 680 miles 2012 US Base Retail Price: $26,545 |
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| Features Single-zone automatic climate control AM/FM/XM/6-CD changer/MP3 audio system with six speakers BlueLink communication system for vehicle protection Eco Level scoring system displays efficiency status 4.2-inch LCD provides hybrid system information |
Back-up camera (Premium model) Touch screen navigation with 7" hi-res screen (option) Panoramic sunroof (Premium model) Bluetooth with Voice Recognition (option) Theft Deterrent System |
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| Specifications
2.4-liter inline-four with 166 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque Electric traction motor rated at 40 horsepower,151 pound-feet torque. Combined 206 horsepower,193 pound-feet torque Lithium-polymer battery (lighter than lithium-ion batteries) Electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering, regenerative braking and a start-stop system for the gasoline engine Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded MacPherson-strut front suspension and multilink rear |
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| 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 door/5 seat sedan Transmission: 6-speed automatic Mileage (mpg): 35 city/ 40 hwy Range per fillup (miles) : 600+ 2013 US Base Retail Price: $30,000+ |
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| Features Steering wheel audio and phone controls Voice-command, touchscreen radio control Vehicle smart key; auto-dim rear view mirror UVO infotainment system iPod USB connectivity; Bluetooth |
Automatic engine shut-off, restart Hill holder control Vehicle stability management system Front dam air flap reduces wind resistance Active eco-system regulates engine management |
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| Specifications
Theta 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, with 40hp 270-volt electric motor Front-wheel drive, 206 horsepower; 195 foot-pounds torque Clutch packs enable the Optima to operate under electric-only, gasoline-only, or both Lithium polymer battery pack Aluminum alloy body, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, anti-lock braking system LLR Tires: 215/60 R16 16" Lightweight Alloy; All-Season Radials |
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| 2013
Toyota Prius 4 door/5 seat sedan w/ liftback Transmission: CVT automatic Mileage (mpg): 51 city/ 48 hwy Range per fillup: 570 miles 2013 US Base Retail Price: $24,200 - $30,005 |
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| Features 6.1" touch screen display w/ USB, Bluetooth, audio streaming Traffic reports integrated with DVD-based navigation system Voice-activated navigation; "text to speech" Four-disc CD changer, MP3 CD support; 8 JBL speakers Backup camera, adaptive cruise control |
Available in 4 trim levels Driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System Graphic display of steering wheel button settings Intelligent Parking Assist Heated/cooled seats: Solar roof option |
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| Specifications (North American model) 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder with hybrid system; Horsepower: 134 (gas-electric combined) Hybrid Synergy Drive system with two motor-generators that can power the car solely on electricity Multi-point EFI with Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 11.9 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Wheels:15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires |
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| 2013
Toyota Prius V 4 door/5 seat midsize wagon Transmission: CVT automatic Mileage (mpg): 42 combined Range per fillup: 490 miles 2013 US Base Retail Price: $27,345 - $37,000 |
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| Features 6.1" touch screen display w/ USB, Bluetooth, audio streaming Traffic reports integrated with DVD-based navigation system Voice-activated navigation; "text to speech" Entune next-generation multi-media system Backup camera, adaptive cruise control |
Optional resin-plastic roof, w/ retractable sun shades 67.3 cu ft cargo space w/ rear seats down Graphic display of steering wheel button settings Satellite radio; Bluetooth phone interface 50% more interior space than standard Prius |
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| Specifications 98 hp 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder with 80hp electric motor; Horsepower: 134 (gas-electric combined) Available in three trim levels, which Toyota dubs Prius V Two, Prius V Three, Prius V Five Multi-point EFI with Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 11.9 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Wheels:16-in. (with 17" option) 10-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires |
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| 2013
Ford C-Max Hybrid 4 door/5 passenger MAV (multi activity hybrid) Transmission: eCVT automatic Mileage (mpg): 47 city/hwy/combined Range per fillup: up to 634 miles 2013 US Base Retail Price: $25,200 |
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| Features Dual-zone automatic temperature control 2 12-volt power outlets, 110-volt power point SmartGauge instrument cluster with EcoGuide 6-disc in-dash CD, MP3-playback, Sirius Satellite Radio Sync-equipped for voice-controlled audio |
SecuriCode keyless entry pad, SecuriLock anti-theft Reverse Sensing System Speed-sensitive windshield wipers Advancetrac with RSC®, all-speed traction control SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ |
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| Specifications 2.0L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Hybrid Engine , Permanent magnet AC motor , 188 total system horsepower Horsepower (SAE net at rpm): 141 @ 6000 rpm (91 RON) ; Torque: 129 @ 4000 rpm (91 RON) 1.4kWh Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Electric Power-Assisted Steering, All-Wheel Drive. AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) Brakes: Power Front/Rear Disc, with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) and Regenerative Braking System Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 13.5 gallons / Regular Unleaded Tires: P225/50VR17 all-season BSW tires, 17" aluminum wheels, Tire pressure monitoring system |
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| 2013
Ford Fusion Hybrid 4 door/5 passenger midsize sedan Transmission: eCVT automatic Mileage (mpg): 47 city/hwy Range per fillup: up to 700 in-town miles 2013 US Base Retail Price: $27,200 |
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| Features Dual-zone automatic temperature control 2 12-volt power outlets, 110-volt power point SmartGauge instrument cluster with EcoGuide 6-disc in-dash CD, MP3-playback, Sirius Satellite Radio Sync-equipped for voice-controlled audio |
SecuriCode keyless entry pad, SecuriLock anti-theft Rear view camera Speed-sensitive windshield wipers Fold-down fold-flat front passenger seat EasyFuel capless refuel filler system |
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| Specifications 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder,118-horsepower AC electric motor Horsepower (SAE net at rpm): 141 hp at 6,000 rpm; Torque: 136 @ 4500 Lithium battery pack Electric Power-Assisted Steering, All-Wheel Drive 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes; AdvanceTrac (ESC) w/brake activated traction control Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.5 gallons / Regular Unleaded Tires: P225/50VR17 all-season BSW tires, 17" 15-spoke aluminum wheels, Tire pressure monitoring system |
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| 2013
Toyota Camry Hybrid 4 door/5 passenger midsize sedan Transmission: CVT automatic Mileage (mpg): 43 city/39 hwy/41 comb Range per fillup: 585 miles 2013 US Base Retail Price: $25,900 - $27,400 |
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| Features Curtain side and driver's knee air bags Anti-skid traction control EV button for driving short distances on electric Tire-pressure monitor system JBL audio system with Bluetooth technology |
Choice of LE and XLE trims PlasmaclusterTM ionizer cabin air purifier “ECO” button limits HVAC energy consumption Heated outside rear-view mirrors GPS navigation unit (optional) |
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| Specifications
Twin cam, 2.5L inline four-cylinder 2AZ-FXE Atkinson-cycle engine, which generates 156 hp at 5700rpm Horsepower: 200 net (gas-electric combined) Compact nickel-metal hydride battery pack allows for 13.1 cu. ft. trunk space Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (63 liters) / Regular Unleaded Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Tires: LRR Michelin 16" All-Season Radials - 215/60; Wheels: 16"aluminum alloy |
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| 2013
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid 4 door/5 passenger compact sedan Transmission: 7-speed auto shift Mileage (mpg): 45 city/hwy Range per fillup: 530 2013 US Base Retail Price: $24,995 |
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| Features Offered in three trim levels Climatronic climate control Premium touchscreen radio, Sirius satellite LED taillights, rear lip spoiler MDI audio interface with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth |
Rear view camera (option) Curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbag Aero-composite halogen headlamps Heated, folding outside rear-view mirrors Audio theft deterrent |
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| Specifications 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 27-horsepower electric motor Total system output: 170 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque Lithium-ion battery pack Seven-speed dual clutch gearbox Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 11.8 gallons / Regular Unleaded Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Tires: P195/65HR15.0 BSW AS tires; Wheels: 15"aluminum alloy, optional 16" and 17" wheels |
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| 2013
Honda Insight Hybrid 5 door hatchback/4.5 seat compact sedan Transmission: 4-speed CVT automatic Mileage (city/hwy combined): 42 mpg Range per fillup: 585 miles 2013 US Base Retail Price: $18,500 |
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| Features Available in three trims: Base, LX and EX Steering wheel mounted Multi Information Display Tire pressure monitoring system, EcoAssist system 60/40 split rear fold-down seat back Projector-beam halogen headlights w/chrome bezels |
Outboard lower anchors & tethers for children Air bags, dual-stage frontal and side-impact Immobilizer theft deterrent system Maintenance Minder system Optional Satellite Navigation w/ Voice Recognition |
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| Specifications 1.3L SOHC MPFI 8-valve i-VTEC I4 engine w/permanent-magnet electric motor. Integrated Motor Assist. Horsepower (combined): 98hp with 128 ft. lb. torque Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 10.6 gallons / Regular Unleaded Brakes: Power ventilated front disc/ rear drum brakes with 4-wheel ABS w/ electronic brake distribution (EBS) Wheels: 15" steel; Tires: 185/60 low profile, all season, blackwall, LLR |
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| 2013
Lexus RX 450h Hybrid 4 door/5 seat SUV Transmission: 2-speedCVT w/OD and auto-manual Mileage (mpg): 32city/ 28hwy Range per fillup: 450 - 530 miles 2013 US Base Retail Price: $45,900 (FWD), $47,310 (AWD) |
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| Features Dual-zone automatic climate control Lexus 8-speaker sound system, 6-disk CD Power tilt and slide moon roof Transceiver to operate garage doors, lights Part-time all-wheel drive (AWD) |
Voice activated navigation system XM Nav, Traffic, Weather; standard Bluetooth Lexus Memory System for mirrors, seat, wheel 10 airbags Adaptive lights, rear-view camera |
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| Specifications 3.5-liter V6 engine w/ Atkinson Cycle valve timing; front and rear high-output, permanent-magnet electric-drive motors Available in FWD and AWD versions; Horsepower: 295 total system horsepower Exhaust-heat recovery system that reduces engine warm-up time Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded 87 octane Brakes: Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with regenerative function Wheels/Tires: 19-in alloy wheels with 235/55VR18 all-season tires |
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| 2013
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 4 door/5 seat midsize luxury sedan Transmission: CVT automatic Mileage (mpg): 45/city/ 45hwy/ 45combined Range per fillup: 630 miles 2013 US Base Retail Price: $35,925 |
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| Features SYNC entertainment/communication system Lincoln Drive Control Leather heated power driver and passenger seats Satellite radio and dual-zone electronic climate control 8 airbags with knee airbags for both driver and passenger |
LED Head and Tail lights, Adaptive Headlamps Securilock ignition disable system MyKey restricted driving system Retractable panoramic roof Push button Start and Shift |
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| Specifications 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder,118-horsepower AC electric motor Combined system rating of 188 horsepower and 129 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Lithium-ion battery pack Electric Power-Assisted Steering, All-Wheel Drive Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adjustable suspension Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 14 gallons / Regular Unleaded Tires: 245/ 45VR18.0, 18" aluminum wheels, Tire pressure monitoring system |
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| 2013
Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4 door/7 seat SUV Transmission: 2-speed CVT w/OD Mileage (city/hwy): 28/28 Range per fillup: 450 - 550 miles 2013 US Base Retail Price: $39,970 - $46,170 |
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| Features Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade Entune infotainment system 3.5" multi-function display w/ backup camera AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA playback; XM radio Driver and passenger Advanced Airbag System |
CFC-free automatic digital climate control system Color-keyed heated foldable power outside mirrors 4-Wheel Drive with intelligence (4WD-i) (optional) HomeLink®5 universal transceiver Bluetooth connectivity, USB port |
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| Specifications 3.5-liter double overhead cam V6 gas motor; torque @ rpm: 231 @ 5,800 Horsepower: 280 total system horsepower Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded Brakes: Electronically controlled braking system with ABS and electronic brake distribution Wheels/Tires: 19-in. split 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P245/55R19 all-season tires |
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| Hybrid Cars: Scheduled Releases Automakers are now developing new hybrid car models at a rapid pace. Here's a look at hybrid cars under development, and 'best estimate' dates for availablity to the consumer market: |
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| 2011 releases: | ||||||||||
| Nissan Infiniti M35 - hybrid version of the luxury performance brand; Nissan's first hybrid model Kia Optima Hybrid - first hybrid from Kia, this is a mid-size sedan similar to the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Hyundai Sonata - first Korean hybrid in the US. Uses lithium-ion batteries. Buick Regal - features the drive train developed for the Saturn Vue Toyota Prius V - this crossover has 60% more cargo space than the standard Prius sedan |
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| 2012 releases: | ||||||||||
| Ford C-Max Hybrid and Energi - the C-Max is a hybrid minivan and the Energi is a plug-in hybrid minivan Toyota Prius Plug-in - a new plug-in version of the Prius Toyota Prius C - a smaller Prius, a four-seater that looks a bit like Honda's CR-Z two-seater hybrid Lincoln MKZ Hybrid - Ford's entry into the high-end hybrid market, competing with Lexus. Toyota Avalon Hybrid - a hybrid version of Toyota's largest sedan |
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| 2013 scheduled releases: | ||||||||||
Chrysler 300 Hybrid - upscale full size town car with 8-speed automatic |
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| Hybrid
Car Links Electric Drive Transportation Association Information about electric vehicles, events, emissions, environmental impacts and more. The US Office of Transportation Technologies Information about alternative fuel, hybrids and advanced transportation technologies. FuelEconomy.gov - side by side comparisons Research Hybrid Cars - comparison data for hybrid cars |
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| Related Pages The Top 10 Fuel-efficient Cars of 2010 - According to the EPA's new ranking system for fuel-eficiency. Plug-in Cars - The new models of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) currently in development. Fuel-Efficient Driving - You can boost the overall fuel-efficiency of your car as much as 30% by simple vehicle maintenance and attention to your style of driving. Car Sharing - Get around town in a shared car, and save yourself the costs of car ownership. Energy-Efficient Vehicles - the best and worst of the 2008 models. |
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