EV

Top 10 States Offering Incentives for Fuel Efficient Vehicles

Here are some of the best electric car incentives offered in these seven (California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont) and other states.

First Drive: 2015 Volkswagen Golf

The new 2015 Volkswagen Golf. VW is launching the seventh generation of its worldwide best-seller this year and it’s stepping up its game. The Golf has completely redone both gas and diesel engines as well as added a brand-new electric motor in the soon-to-be-on-the-market (finally) e-Golf.

Road Test: 2014 Chevy Spark EV

Plain and simple: I like this car. The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV 2LT came with a surprising list of options such as ten airbags, a seven-inch color Driver Information Center (DIC) where you will find MyLink featuring SiriusXM, Bluetooth and hands-free smartphone integration. This car is quick, whether it is from a standing start or at speed when accelerating to pass, and that is in the regular drive mode. For more oomph you can press the Sport mode button that pumps out even more torque, but at the expense of battery charge and driving distance.

Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid

How to Find the Best Price for an Electric Car

Consumers interested in plug-in cars got more good news this month as the Mercedes-built Smart and Chevy Volt both joined the recent moves to drop prices on their models. The Smart dropped lease prices to $139/month, substantially below much of the competition, and GM lowered the 2014 Chevy Volt price by $5,000.

Ford Focus Electric

First Drive: 2013 Ford Focus Electric

The final decider between the Focus Electric and Nissan Leaf could be styling. For those who don’t want to show off their environmental leanings, the Focus EV is designed for the generic aisle of the dealership. Its styling is edgy, sporty, decidedly European and its green credentials are incognito. Tough choice, huh? But if you want to drive one of the sharpest-looking cars on the road while smiling to yourself because you have no personal connection to OPEC, the Focus Electric might be the EV for you.