There was once a time when hybrid vehicles and electric cars were largely looked upon as novelty vehicles. Indeed, with the appearance akin to toys and almost laughable mileage, the forerunners of green vehicles failed to meet the expectations of real automobile enthusiasts.
However, that was the past. Today, the world is seeing more and more electric vehicles, and unlike the smart cars of old, the new breed of green vehicles is both efficient and powerful, with cars such as the Tesla Model S capturing the hearts of car lovers with its elegant design and uncompromising power.
Mike O'Brien, vice president of product planning for Hyundai, believes that the age of electric vehicles has effectively started. From being novelty devices, today's green cars have become comparable, if not better, than their gas-powered counterparts.
"They've graduated out of the class of something that's a bit of an oddity to drive. It's all about making these cars better," he said.
Of course, a downside to the electric vehicle tide is the fact that most capable hybrids and EVs cost significantly more than conventional cars. Battery life has also been a notable concern for most drivers, with few green vehicles lasting adequately on the road.
Just like the design aspect, though, such concerns are hardly valid today, as the impending release of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Tesla Model 3, full-on electric vehicles with formidable specs and a reasonable $30,000 price range, are set to further drive the interest of consumers towards green vehicles forward.
Other notable carmakers have jumped on the green vehicle bandwagon, as well, with both Hyundai and Toyota unveiling their respective electric and hybrid vehicles at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday.
What is interesting about the two Asian carmakers' vehicles, the Hyundai Ioniq and the Toyota Prius Prime, is the fact that the vehicles were marketed as cars that were environmentally-friendly and "fun to drive." Just like the premium line of green vehicles today, the Ioniq and the Prius Prime are cars that do not compromise on design.
While gas prices are at a decline today, sales of hybrid and electric vehicles have dropped somewhat, with only 274,000 units sold last year. Nevertheless, the advent of this new breed of electric vehicles, which channel the best that the automotive industry has to offer, might very well push the car market towards a much greener future.
