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Countries continue to compete in the automotive industry battling to develop the best hybrid. Superlative mileage, fluid controls, rapid charging, reduced carbon footprint—all factors to consider when auto makers try to one-up hybrid competitors. But who is coming out on top—America or other countries?
The Motor Trend Auto Show in Phoenix and other locations across the globe display a new eco-friendly pack of hybrids for consumers to decide who is winning the hybrid race. Local dealers, such as Chandler Chevrolet, have put their best and brightest on the lot, displaying a fair example as to how the rest of the country is deciding.
American
Chevrolet Volt – From a technological standpoint, the Volt is undoubtedly GM’s most advanced vehicle. Drivers can expect a generous 380 total miles of travel on a full charge and full tank of gas, Chevy states on their website, thanks to an onboard electricity-producing gas generator. Its lithium-ion battery allows drivers to travel gas-free for an EPA-estimated 38 miles. The inventive electric powertrain is a major selling point for the Volt; it will run on the hyrbrid’s gasoline engine if you never plug it in, The Car Connection noted. The hybrid’s cloth upholstery interior comfortably seats four and glides in near-silence down the road.
Ford C-Max – Posing as a direct contender to the Toyota Prius, Ford’s hybrid hatchback is aiming to usurp the hybrid king. The electric motor and four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine prevails over the Prius powertrain by 54 hp, The Car Connection has noted. The front-wheel drive C-Max surpasses the Prius V again with its EPA 47-mpg combined rating. Ford plans to give Toyota a serious run for their money.
Other Notable American Hybrids: Tesla Model S, Lincoln MKZ
Foreign
Toyota Prius V – The Japanese manufacturer has sold approximately 4 million Prius vehicles worldwide since 1997—more than half of all existing hybrids, according to MotorTrend. EPA rates the Prius V at 42 mpg combined. Its spacious interior for cargo will attract many buyers—40.2 cubic feet of space with the rear seat slid forward. Three drive modes—EV, Eco and Power permit advantageous functioning depending on current situations, The Car Connection has stated. The EV drive mode allows the Prius to run solely on electric at low speeds, Eco fosters better fuel economy and Power boosts the car’s ability to travel up steep hills.
Nissan Leaf – The first modern battery electric car to go on sale in the U.S., the five-door electric hatchback poses as a direct challenger to the Chevy Volt. The Car Connection specified that the EPA rates the car’s electric range as 73 miles (65-100 miles depending on other factors). Exclusively using the power of electricity, the Leaf accelerates from zero to 60 mph in roughly 10 seconds. The Leaf can be recharged in 5-8 hours using 240-volt power or 20 hours with 100-volt power. To further its ecological theme, the upholstery is smartly composed of recycled appliances and plastic bottles.
Other Notable Foreign Hybrids: Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid
Foreign vehicles seem to lead the way in hybrid superiority—due in no small part to the eco-iconic Toyota Prius. America isn’t backing down, however—the 2013 models of Prius-challenging hybrids like the C-Max and the Volt will intensify the competition. Whether American-made or foreign, Mother Nature will be pleased that the world is doing its part to reduce oil dependency and clean the Earth’s atmosphere.
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