As gas prices continue to climb year-on-year, auto-owners are hard pressed to find more fuel efficient ways of driving, and it seems like electric cars are leading the charge. As state restrictions come down on car manufacturers to produce more eco and wallet friendly cars, electric cars slowly are clawing their way into the minds of millions of car buyers.
While skeptics are still quick to call out criticisms on the price, performance and reliability of electric vehicles compared to traditional gas guzzlers or even hybrids, it’s hard to argue against the fuel efficiency of each one of these 2013 models on a fully charged battery. Recently, the EPA released a list of most fuel efficient cars for 2013, and it’s no surprise that electric cars and hybrids took a lot of top spots. Listed below are some of the most fuel efficient cars of 2013.
Toyota Scion iQ EV
This electric powered four seater features Toyota’s newly developed high-output lithium-ion battery. Designed to deliver world class power consumption on both the highway and in the city, the Scion iQ is easily one of the most fuel efficient cars on the market today. Its combined MPG equivalent of 121 makes up for the Scion iQ’s compact design. And though car buyers who appreciate a bit of space in their vehicles will most likely shun the Scion iQ, it’s hard to thumb your nose at a car as fuel efficient as this one.
Honda Fit EV
For eco-minded family folks who need more space than the Scion iQ has to offer, the Honda Fit provides a lot of space without compromising too much on raw electric power. With an MPGe of 132 in the city and 105 on the highway, the Honda Fit is one of the most fuel efficient cars on the market with the ability to hold up to five people. Additional driving controls allows you to manage the energy usage of the Fit, making sure your car caters to your driving style.
Fiat 500e
The Fiat 500e may not look like much on the surface, but it’s combined MPGe of 116 tops it off as an incredibly fuel efficient car. Looks can be deceiving, and the Fiat 500e’s compact frame holds a lot of power under the hood. Unfortunately, interested buyers outside of California may have to wait awhile before getting their hands on one, especially sense Fiat is rumored to be selling the Fiat at a loss if only to satisfy California zero-emission sales laws.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf has headlined many fuel-efficiency lists outside of this one, and it’s no surprise why. The Nissan “Leaf” stands for Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car and provides the mileage you need to make those long family trips more affordable. Although the Leaf does lack the recognition of other eco-friendly cars like the Prius, it has set the stage for other electric vehicles to get their foot into the market. Reliable, sleek and spacious, the Nissan Leaf provides the room as well as the battery to power even the longest of drives.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV has been marketed as a subcompact electric car with an attractive price tag. Mitsubishi aims to open the doors of electrical vehicles to as wide an audience as possible, and it hopes that the i-Miev can do that. With a combined MPGe of 112, the i-MiEV may not stack up as high as the competition, but it does manage to provide reliable performance on the road.