On the flip side, the new line of Honda Accord Hybrids are amazing. Fantastically simple drivetrain, it's basically an electric car where the "batteries" consis

On the flip side, the new line of Honda Accord Hybrids are amazing. Fantastically simple drivetrain, it's basically an electric car where the "batteries" consist of a Li-On buffer bank and a gas-to-electricity 4-cylinder generator that's recruited via a clutch for high-torque/high-horsepower assist to the electric motor. Being driven by an electric motor, torque is instant and constant, there's no transmission to speak of. I've driven one, it's pretty peppy, 0-30 in 2.9 and 0-60 in ~7 seconds (it's a family sedan so I know it's not blowing the doors off of a Tesla, but it's about a full second faster than a Passat TDI) Uses cheap low-octane gasoline and can get 45-50 mpg (like a Prius), and 700 miles on a tank of gas. Emissions are 188 grams/mile (vs. VW's 298 for a Passat TDI). Trickled down Acura active suspension, wider tires than a stock Accord. Priced about the same as a Passat TDI, but with almost Tesla level engine tech and probably more reliable than either on average. http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2014/02/review-2014-honda-accord-hybrid-with-video/ http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2014/02/review-2014-honda-a...