The 2013 Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Auto Show will have a distinctly “green” feel, and American automakers may have a chance to show off their rapidly improving hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). Ford, Chevy and Tesla have declared their place in the sustainability arms race, and in the heart of the Lone Star State, American automakers hope to assert themselves as industry leaders.
As part of the event, the DFW Metropolitan New Car Dealers Association is allowing eco-friendly businesses to showcase their products or services. For as little as $200, sustainable businesses will be given a booth inside the Dallas Convention Center.
Many fuel-economy-conscious shoppers are still looking for a used Toyota in Arlington, but new technology is claiming its territory in the market. If American automaker’s recent releases are any indication, the Dallas Auto Show could be American EV’s coming out party.
Ford
The Detroit-based automaker has continued to expand its line of EV/hybrid models. The recent incarnation of Fusion, Ford’s most popular hybrid, is rated at 47 mpg combined, just under Toyota’s Prius, which is rated at 50 mpg combined. Ford has added hybrid versions of the Escape, a small SUV, and the C-MAX, a four-door hatch back.
Ford’s newest “green” release is the all-electric Focus. At an EPA estimated 105 combined miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), the Focus is the world’s most energy-efficient wide-production vehicle on the planet, according to Ford’s website.
Chevy
Known for its wide range of workmanlike vehicles, Chevrolet has jumped head-first into implementing fuel-economy technology. A wide range of hybrids, including Chevy’s signature Silverado and Tahoe, give the automaker an edge over the competition, which mostly sticks to small, easy to manufacture hybrid/EV models.
While most hybrid vehicles use electricity to enhance gas mileage, Chevrolet’s signature sustainability vehicle, Volt, offers drivers completely separate experiences. After a 10-hour charge in a standard household outlet, the Volt can travel about 35 miles on electricity alone. After the battery runs out, the car transitions to a traditional gas-powered experience. While 35 miles is long enough for many to travel through their day, the Volt also has the versatility to make long commutes and road trips.
Tesla
Named after famous electrical engineer Nikola Tesla, this emerging Silicon-valley-based automaker has focused its attention on creating “premium” electric vehicles. The company’s first vehicle, the Tesla Roadster, is able to travel 244 miles on a single charge and boasted a top speed of 125 mph. Since then, Tesla has created improved vehicles for wide distribution. The Tesla Model S Performance has a top range of 300 miles and goes zero to 60 in 4.4 seconds, according to Tesla’s website.
Starting at $49,000, Tesla vehicles cost a pretty penny, but the innovative automaker is in a class of its own in terms of all-electric, luxury cars.
There’s still no word on how many hybrid/EV models will be showcased at the Dallas Auto Show, but hybrid/electric vehicle buzz has never been higher, so Texans should expect a high-voltage event.
Author: David Gray combines his love for cars with his background in money and banking. He writes loans by day and blogs by night in the Los Angeles area.
Automotive industry is changing rapidly, people are considering hybrid car or even electric car for more green and sustainable environment. In my opinion, electric car might not be able to replace normal fuel vehicles, but hybrid car is definitely progressing very quickly in replacing those old cars. To keep updated with the market, auto electrician need to acquire these new set of skills to repair and maintain hybrid and electric cars.
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