by Frank Lobsterman

Created on: December 19, 2010

Across the board, 2010 seems to be a year of progress. Nowhere is this more true than in the realm of fuel efficient vehicles. This past year has seen the introduction and continuation of some of the most efficient consumer vehicles in years, and some that may be the most efficient of all time.

Nissan Leaf

The 2011 Leaf is Nissan's first attempt at a consumer electric vehicle in the United States. Boasting seating for 5, a charge range of 68-132 miles, and a price tag in the $25,000 range (after tax rebates), the Leaf is widely considered the first practical all-electric vehicle to be mass-produced by a major manufacturer. In 2010, Nissan released the Leaf in a few major cities such as New York and Los Angeles, with availability to be broadened to other areas in 2011-12. Nissan recently reported that the reservation list for the Leaf has reached 20,000 members, well beyond its initial expectations.

Tesla Roadster

Tesla has been making its Roadster since 2008, and it's still going strong. However, the 2011 Tesla Roadster, released in 2010, sees the model's first facelift. The sporty, all-electric two-seater remains mostly the same mechanically, but receives a boost from 244 to 288 hp. Powered by a pack of laptop batteries, the convertible is capable of a range exceeding 300 miles on a charge and performance that puts man gas-powered sports cars to shame. All this comes at a cost, though, with a price tag starting above $100,000 and a reservation list a mile long. Owners testify that it's well worth the price, though, as the car still outperforms many vehicles in the same price range. As a side note, Tesla plans to release a 4-door sedan in 2012, and is currently accepting reservations.

Chevrolet Volt

With the company's recent near-collapse, the future of General Motors largely hinges on the success of its new plug-in hybrid. The volt is a 4-seat passenger car with an electric range averaging about 40 miles. When the charge gets low, a gas-powered generator recharges the batteries to allow the car to keep moving. Chevrolet says most drivers don't drive more than 40 miles on their daily commute, so they will rarely use any fuel at all. When they do use gas, though, owners can expect a range of 310 miles from a single fill of the 9.3-gallon tank. The 149-horsepower electric motor provides sufficient power for everyday driving, but it's nowhere near the supercar status of the Tesla, especially considering this vehicle's weight in the 3,700-pound range. This

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