As fuel prices and environmental awareness rise, so does the demand for hybrid vehicles; but not every vehicle classed as a "hybrid" is designed for fuel efficiency. Some hybrid systems are designed to improve acceleration or increase the towing/hauling capabilities of SUVs. Others simply treat hybrid powertrains as brands, concentrating more on marketing than fuel efficiency, but there are several fuel efficient options in the hybrid market.
Toyota Prius
MPG: 51 City / 48 Hwy
The Toyota Prius was the first mid-sized hybrid sedan, which became available to American consumers in 2001, and remains one of the most popular gas/electric hybrids on the market. The Prius boasts a full back seat, allowing it to accommodate four passengers comfortably, and has scored a "good" to "high" IIHS rating in front and side collisions as well as rollovers since 2007. In 2010 an alleged design flaw linked to unintended acceleration braking failures had an impact on the popularity of several Toyota car models, including the Prius.
The combined horsepower of the car's drive system is 134 hp, with 98 hp coming from the 1.8 liter gas engine and the rest of the power coming from the electric motor.
Honda Civic Hybrid
MPG: 40 City / 45 Hwy
Honda first introduced the hybrid version of its popular Civic model in 2002 as an alternative to the popular and hard-to-find Toyota Prius. The Civic Hybrid has seating for four and good overall safety ratings.
The Civic Hybrid's total horsepower is 115 hp, with its small gas engine providing 95 hp and the electric motor adding 20 hp.
Honda Insight (Original, 1999-2006)
MPG: 49 City / 61 Hwy
A two-seat, sub-compact hatchback, the original Honda Insight boasted some of the highest fuel efficiency of any car in the U.S. Although it was very efficient and affordable to drive, its small size and limited passenger capacity appealed to a small demographic. While this model is no longer in production, you can occasionally find original Insights for sale as previously owned vehicles.
The original Insight's 3-cylinder gas engine provides 70 hp, boosted to 83 hp with help from the electric motor.
Honda Insight (2009 +)
MPG: 40 City / 43 Hwy
Honda redesigned and reintroduced its original Insight in 2009 as the first hybrid marketed to a younger customer. The new Insight is a compact, aerodynamic sedan intended to have sporty handling and a modern look. It is priced lower than other hybrid cars, making it the most accessible of all hybrids, but its small back seat and more driving noise than other hybrids have turned some consumers off.
The Insight's drive system produces a total of 111 hp, with 98 hp coming from the small gas engine and the electric motor adding 13 hp.
Veken VK-M50 Hybrid Scooter
MPG: 220 City Use Only
For urban residents and short-distance commuters, scooters have long been an affordable and efficient means of transportation. Several companies are developing or currently offering gas/electric hybrid scooters such as the Veken VK-M50, which is designed for fuel economy far greater than the most fuel efficient hybrid car. A lithium polymer battery and 500 Watt electric motor power the vehicle up to 18 miles per hour, but the vehicle reaches speeds of up to 40 miles per hour by use of a 49cc gas engine. Because this vehicle is equivalent to a small motorcycle, you should observe proper licensing and safety precautions while riding it.
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