Best of 2011: Top green cars

The latest version of Chevrolet Volt's hybrid version, after its innovation in 2007, is a reformed model of its initial launch and is really low on gasoline usage due to its electric power train. The driver is warned of any traffic jams or other related problems by its hard-drive-navigation system. The charging times can be pre-set as it has the smartphone apps attached to it, which even supports other features like car location etc. The downside of this car, however, is that its brakes are not very smooth. The navigation key does not indicate charging stations of the electric car. The cabin interface buttons have been oddly located at the center. But, although pricey with certain loopholes, this car is a boon for short distance travelers who do not commute for more than 40 miles as this car does not require gas for a span of one week and promises a comfortable drive as well. The price of this car is $ 40,280.

This hybrid vehicle from the Mitsubishi company, Japan, reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and is based on Canadian specifications, which would soon be on sale from November onward next year. Having an MSRP of $ 32,998, this car has an electric engine with 140lb-ft. of torque which promises a smooth drive even during clogged traffics. The system estimates the mileage range on the basis of the amount of electric load that you put on the battery pack. For charging, the car can be plugged into a 240V charger which would take 6 hours to fully juice up the lithium-ion batteries, but a household plug would do the same consuming 23 hours approx. and when fully charged, the car would run upto 160 km. The vehicle is very low on emissions and has skimpy tyres comparatively, but then also it promises a top speed of over 130 km/hr.

This car has a firsthand luxury plug-in hybrid delight with an elegant styling and lithe handling. Its refilling or recharging takes 10 to 12 hours with a 110 volt home circuit but takes almost half the time to fully recharge using 220V circuit. When completely charged, this vehicle can travel purely on EV for 50 miles and after that it automatically shifts to series hybrid operation and can run for another 250 miles. It can easily operate its 175kw generator, enabling the driver to change the steering wheel paddle mode into its sport model as per his wish. The car promises a top speed of 175mph and has been priced at $ 96,895.

Renault unveiled its pure electric vehicle variety model, the Fluence ZE, at the Frankfurt Motor show 2009. It promised to manufacture and create a hybrid model EV with synchronous electric motors, with a rotor coil which would be capable of delivering a 93 HP 11,000 rpm, however its maximum torque capacity is NM. The vehicle is charged using lithium-ion batteries and has regenerative braking system that leads it to almost negligible carbon-do-oxide emissions. Termed as one of the best launches of the year 2011, this car is sure to create a niche for itself in the category of best hybrid electric vehicles.

The Mercedes Benz S-class Sedan is a division of the company's Daimler AG . It has luxurious interior and features like advanced safety systems and many more. Its latest models premiered as W221 S-Class with an all new design is solid in standard, has long wheel base and has versions V6, V8, V12 DIESEL and hybrid. The hybrid variety is the latest launch of 2011 by the company which is an electric car and it already has managed to rank among the best 8 electric car launches of the year 2011.