If a new car is in your budget and you care about the planet, you’re probably considering an electric, right? Although hybrids produce less emissions  than gasoline-powered cars, electric cars produce zero emissions and require absolutely no gas! As demand increases and society becomes more environmentally conscious, it gets easier to buy and own an electric vehicle. Nissan and Ford have produced electric vehicles with premium entertainment and safety features, all wrapped in a sleek design at an affordable price.

2013 Nissan Leaf—Starting $21,300

The 2012 Nissan Leaf averaged 73 miles per charge and it’s predicted that this will increase with the 2013 model, according to the Chicago Tribune.  Reviewers note that the Nissan was able to cut cost without losing many amenities. The two most significant changes to the Leaf in 2013 are the production of the car’s battery and the price drop. The Leaf’s exterior received a new, sculpted aerodynamic design while the interior nearly doubled in cargo space. The Leaf now has 24 cubic-feet of storage space when the rear seats are folded down. The new charger has reduced charging time by 50 percent (charging time was an issue for many owners of the 2012 model). The electric engine generates 107 horsepower and produces no emissions. According to the Nissan website, the leaf gets an amazing 130 city and 103 highway mpg (equivalent).

Standard features in the 2013 Leaf include:.

• Bluetooth
• Automatic temperature control
• Power door locks with auto-lock
• A three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• iPod USB compatibility
• Airbags for front and rear seats
• Traction control system
• Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
• Rear-seat height-adjustable headrests

2013 Focus EV—Starting $39,200

Ford’s first electric debuted in spring 2012 as the EV version of the Ford Focus, available only as a hatchback. The Focus is a five-seat, four-door vehicle with front drive. The 3013 EV produces 143 horsepower and 184 torque through single-speed automatic transmission. According to Forbes, the EV size is nearly identical to the original Focus. The electric car is 58.2 inches tall, 71.8 inches wide, 172.9 inches long and has a combined passenger and cargo space of  105.2 cubic feet. You can see the specs on the Ford Focus at Automotive.com. The site says the stylish electric car gets 110 city and 99 highway mpg. The EV, much like the Focus, is renown for it’s sleek design and advanced standard technology. Many of its standard features compete equally with the leaf, but the exterior design is completely different.

Standard features in the 2013 Focus EV:

• SYNC with My Ford Touch navigation system.
• Automatic temperature control.
• Push button start controls.
• Telescoping and tilt steering wheel.
• Rear cargo management system.
• MyFord mobile app for smartphones.
• Sony audio system with nine speakers.
• Voice activated communication.
• Sirius XM Satellite and HD radio.
• LED taillamp accents.
• Four-wheel antilock brake system.
• Regenerative braking.
• Front and rear airbags.
• Electronic stability control.
• Tire pressure monitoring.

The Electric Vehicle Revolution Is Here!

The world is just waking up to the importance of electric vehicles (EVs), as we’re all aware that EVs offer one of the most immediate and effective ways to bring the world’s energy and fuel crises under control. Switching to EVs, we are able to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and at the same time effectively lower our levels of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Accordingly, governments around the world have been applying a great deal of financial and social pressure in order to encourage EV uptake. So, which cities are the best prepared for the EV revolution? Read on and we’ll find out!

New York, US

CC via Flickr

New York City has a population of 8.2 million, with 1.8 million vehicle owners. In 2007, Mayor Bloomberg announced the PlaNYC initiative – which plans for the challenges of continuing urban population growth whilst reducing carbon emissions by 2030. Not a simple task for a city which, at the moment, does not even meet federal standards for particulate matter and ozone.

New York City currently has 73 EV charging stations, currently all located at garages. For a huge city, this number is pretty poor. However, more recently the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority dished out several handsome grants which will be sure to stimulate development of the city’s EV infrastructure. (more…)

Dear Germany, When You Get To The Green Future, Please Throw The Rest Of Us A Rope!

Hailing from Freiburg, Germany, Rolf Disch is a renowned architect that has put his little city front and center on the eco-map. Literally transforming Freiburg into Germany’s eco-capital where about 35% of residents don’t own a car and new homes routinely incorporate photovoltaic panels. And now, a popular destination for tourist world-wide seeking the reality of sustainable architecture and the inspiration for better eco-friendly housing options for their future. (more…)