The Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid that can be charged using residential electrical outlets, has a battery range of 64 kilometers. Like the Fisker Karma, it is a series hybrid, meaning that an electric motor alone turns the car’s wheels; when the internal-combustion engine is in use, it drives a generator connected to the motor. Other hybrids have parallel designs, in which both the electric motor and the combustion engine are connected mechanically to the wheels.

Product: Chevrolet Volt
Cost: $41,000
Availability: December 2010
Source: www.chevrolet.com
Companies: General Motors