The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2011
Electric cars like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt top the list, but overall the number of fuel-efficient cars that get 30 mpg or better is growing. Two fuel-efficient SUVs and one station wagon make the list, too, thanks to hybrid and clean diesel technologies.
See the most fuel-efficient new cars, wagons and SUVs for 2012!
By Dan Shapley
2011 Nissan Leaf
Cost: $32,780*
Range: 100 miles (99 mpg fuel equivalent)
Time to charge: 30 min. for 80%, or 8 hours for a full charge
Annual charging cost: $561
Tons of CO2 annually: 0
The first all-electric car on the road in the U.S. is the Nissan Leaf, and it's getting a lot of positive reviews. While it's price tag seems high, federal tax credits push the cost down to around $25,000, and several states have additional credits that can drive it down as far as $20,000. The batteries have long warranties, and Nissan points out that – unlike any other mass-market car – the Leaf costs almost nothing to maintain, since its electric engine doesn't even need regular oil changes.
More about the Nissan Leaf:
> Nissan Leaf Test Drive
> Building a Charging Network for the Nissan Leaf
> Nissan Leaf Specs
> Breaking Ground on the Nissan Leaf Battery Plant in Nashville, Tenn.
> Nissan CEO Ghosn's Big Gamble on the Nissan Leaf
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