6 Electric Cars Hitting the Streets in 2012

Written by / Inhabitat

  • 10 Shares

    • electric_cars.jpg2012 is going to be a big year for electric cars – by the end of this year there will be at least 6 cars available that will lighten your environmental footprint by severing the shackles of big oil. The cars range from practical to luxurious and from fully-electric to extended-range, but all are quiet, clean, and green rides that are sure to impress. Read on for a look at the upcoming crop of electric vehicles!

    tesla.jpgTesla Model S
    Tesla Motors is known for shaking up the world of transportation – they first did it with the sporty Tesla Roadster sports car, and now they are doing it again with the Tesla Model S. The Model S supports a 160, 230 or 300 mile range, a 0-60 time of ~5.6 seconds (a sport version will be released also with a rumored ~4.5 second 0-60 time), a 17-inch web-enabled touch screen center console, a completely customizable gauge cluster, seating for 7, two trunks, auto climate control that maintains a comfortable temperature even when you’re not inside it, recessed door handles to help with aerodynamics, smartphone connectivity, and it’s all wrapped up in a beautifully sculpted exterior.

    ford.jpgFord Focus EV
    The Ford Focus EV is promising to be an excellent commuter car with great amenities. It sports a 100-mile range and can be recharged with a standard 120 volt power cord in about 7 hours – or you can upgrade to the wall-mounted 240 volt charger (which is made with 60% post consumer recycled material) and charge it in a speedy 3.5 hours. The Focus EV also comes equipped with regenerative breaking, 100% post-consumer recycled content seats, and Ford’s SYNC infotainment system, which can relay information about your car’s charge and other vital stats directly to your phone.

    leaf.jpg

    Nissan Leaf
    The Nissan Leaf is currently the EV king it has consistently outsold the Chevy Volt. The vehicle has a 100-mile range and can be charged via both 120 volt and 240 volt power sources. It connects to your smart phone, and like many of the other electric cars on the market it allows you to set temperature controls on timers so when you wake up in the morning so your car is perfectly ready to get you going.

    Dan Mendes
    Dan Mendes
    Dan Mendes is an artist, musician and writer who is currently pursuing a Business Degree with a Minor in Studio art from Stony Brook University. Dan is also working to start his own organic apparel company focused on Men’s wear. A newcomer to the Inhabitat and Ecouterre team, Dan is eager to find his footing in the world of sustainable design, and he can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring!

    Read More From Dan Mendes
    Other Articles:
    • http://profile.typepad.com/phamdiane Diane Pham

      Sweet! Will send this to my mom is looking to buy a new car next year!

    • http://profile.typepad.com/yukayoneda1 YukaYoneda

      Def saving up for one of these.

    • http://profile.typepad.com/kestreljenkins Kestrel Jenkins

      the fisker karma. i am taken. wow.

    • http://profile.typepad.com/kraai Kari Kraai

      I’ll take a Telsa Model S, PLEASE!