The Chevy Volt is my kind of car. I guess it’s not really a car in the standard sense, as it’s a kind of a cross between a full-on electric, with a little nudge from the “booster” engine. Technically, it's a "range-extended electric car," running exclusively in electric mode until its lithium-ion battery pack is depleted. The EPA rates that electric range at 38 miles, after which a 1.4-liter four-cylinder "range extender" engine switches on to spin a generator that produces electricity that powers the electric motor-which is what actually makes the front wheels turn. So it’s still somewhat dependent on fossil fuels, but you can drive across country, and only plug it in when you sleep. That’s another great thing – you stop, plug it into your or a friend’s 110 Volts – and when you wake up its ready to go. Its got a bit of a one-up from its main competitor, the Nissan Leaf, in that it charges more quickly, and isn’t limited by its range. This has always been the bugbear of electrics – they are either too slow, or they are really only suited to suburban driving. If you want to take off for the weekend, you had better pack your gear into that gas-guzzling SUV. My wife has one, but its going as soon as we can get a new Volt. Its possible to miss the Volt's revolutionary electric powertrain. If you never plug it in, its gasoline engine will keep it running happily as long as you keep filling the tank. You might not know that the front wheels are driven by a large electric motor. I suppose what’s most remarkable about this car is that it’s a GM product. This icon of all things American nearly died, but I am glad they didn’t, as they have produced this stellar car. With various incentives you can pick up the Volt for $30,000 or so. Although that’s seems pricey for a rather ordinary sedan, just wait until you return to the gas station.

How can i describe the best car in the world? I have been an environmentalist for years, and here at long last is a well-designed car that allows me to walk the talk.! At an average of 3c per mile how could you refuse? Just hook up an inexpensive solar panel, and pretty soon you’re traveling free.When I tell friends about this car, they can’t believe that anything can be so good. But it’s true. A bit pricey admittedly, but as I like to say: what price the environment? I have been a fan of Nissan for decades. Along with Toyota, they build some of the best vehicles in the world. Best of all, they are built for people. I like the fact that Nissan has put a lot of thought into this vehicle. Sure there are hybrids like the Prius, which is a great car, but you still have to go to the gas station.The usual gripe about electric cars is its limited range before it needs plugging in. Maybe you drive cross-country a lot, then probably this is not the car for you. However the average trip distance in North America is 25km. The EPA estimate the Leaf’s range to be 117 km, which drivers have found can be up to 160 km, depending on how you drive it etc. And it can perform at a snappy 150 km/hr - more than my diesel engine Nissan pickup can achieve. Acceleration from 0- 150 km/h in the 10-second range is not too shabby, and it’s a long time since I had the testosterone or desire to burn rubber at the lights. Recharging takes 5 hours using a 240-Volt charging station. Your local electrician can probably set you up with one of these for $500 or so. If not, it takes 20 hours to recharge on 110-Volt household current. Come home; plug it in, go to sleep, and its ready to rock next morning. If all else fails, most Leafs can "quick-charge" up to 80 percent of their battery capacity within 30 minutes. This may sound like an unabashed plug for the Leaf, and I don’t apologize for that. I think I just might buy all my friends one for Christmas.