The List: 4 Intriguing New Green Cars

The four vehicles listed below are all in the pipeline, and are expected to hit the market next year. Many reflect advances in green tech that make these vehicles more convenient to use than their predecessors. 

1: Ford Focus Electric

The regular, gas-only Focus (redesigned for 2012) has plenty to brag about, including a good-looking interior and a long list of high-tech options. The Focus Electric ups the ante with an electric motor that gives it fuel economy of 100 miles per gallon equivalent, and new charging technology that allows it to charge in half the time of a Nissan Leaf using 240-volt outlets. It hasn't yet been made available for press drives, but Ford promises that this Focus will offer all the responsiveness and driving enjoyment of its very capable gas-only sibling. Starting price (before tax credits) is expected to be around $39,200, and Ford will be partnering with Best Buy to offer charging stations at a price that's lower than that of competing systems: $1,499. 

2: Tesla Model S 

Expected to hit showrooms in mid-2012, the Tesla Model S is a monster of an electric machine: a seven-passenger luxury sedan (capable of seating five adults and two children) that will be offered in three versions. First out the gate is the Signature model, a top-of-the-range trim with a price tag of $77,400 and the ability to go 300 miles between charges. By December 2012, you can expect this trim to be joined by a base model offering 160 miles of electric range and priced at $57,400, and a midlevel model with a 230-mile range and $67,400 sticker price. The sexiest thing about this car is its quickness; Tesla promises a 0-60-mph sprint of just 5.6 seconds.  

3: Ford C-Max 

Toyota's Prius V crossover is currently at the head of its class when it comes to fuel economy but Ford says this will change with the launch of the C-Max Hybrid, a vehicle that's expected to lead the pack in both city and highway mileage. The C-Max Hybrid offers unique technology that will allow it to travel at higher speeds than other hybrids on pure electric energy: up to 50 mph. The C-Max lineup also includes the C-Max Energi, a plug-in hybrid with an overall driving range (500 miles) that exceeds the Volt's. Both these vehicles are available with cool technology, such as a hands-free liftgate that allows a driver to open and close the liftgate via a kicking motion under the bumper, as long as the key fob is in his or her pocket.

4: Mitsubishi i-MiEV

The one thing that sets this Mitsubishi apart from its competition is its price. It comes with a pretty low cost of entry; expected to start at just $26,000 (that price drops to an even more reasonable $21,000 once you factor in government tax credits), it will be one of the most affordable electric cars on the market. Base models offer a nice lineup of amenities, including full power accessories, filtered air-conditioning and a heated driver seat, while the SE version adds allow wheels, fancier interior trim and a better sound system. With just 66 horsepower and a top speed of 80 mph, it has a much smaller engine than the Leaf, but it's also about 700 pounds lighter. If you're looking for the most affordable way into the electric car segment, this could be the model for you. 

Which upcoming green cars pique your interest?