Car makers are working hard to develop vehicles with low environmental footprints across all market segments. Here's a look at five particularly innovative hybrid and electric cars on display at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, expected in dealerships from 2016/2017.
Porsche 4 E-Hybrid
Porsche has unveiled a new four-wheel-drive hybrid vehicle as part of its Panamera range. The Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is equipped with a new 330hp V6 biturbo engine, matched with an electric motor with a 50km (31-mile) range, for a total engine power of 462hp. The vehicle promises average fuel consumption of 2.5l/100km (94 miles per gallon) and remarkable performances, with 0-100km/h (0-62mph) acceleration in 46 seconds.
Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
This rechargeable version of the Toyota Prius was presented in a worldwide premiere in New York earlier this year. Performance has been ramped up again, however, as the Japanese manufacturer claims to have cut fuel consumption to just 1l/100km (235.21 miles per gallon), for 22g/km of CO2 emissions. It also has an original solar recharging system on the roof.
Opel Ampera-e
The German car-maker is hitting hard for its debut in the electric vehicle market, with a compact hatchback promising a 500km (311-mile) range. The Ampera-e is, in reality, a European version of the Chevrolet Bolt, unveiled at the beginning of 2016. It's a five-seater hatchback whose onboard batteries don't impact trunk space, with as much room for luggage as a non-electric model. Total engine power comes in at 204hp.
Renault ZOE
Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn isn't short of praise for the new ZOE. It promises a 400km (249-mile) theoretical range (from the driving cycle), although it's more likely to be closer to 300km (186 miles) for day-to-day use around town. The batteries can apparently be charged with 120km (75 miles) of range in just 30 minutes.
Smart ForTwo Electric Drive
The whole Smart range is switching to electric, with new models including the ForTwo Electric Drive. This vehicle uses the same 60kW engine as the Renault ZOE, with an equivalent 81hp and range announced at 160km (99 miles).
The Paris Motor show runs through October 16, 2016, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, France.
