Gizmos and Gadgets

As the automotive industry catches up to the green movement, several feel that fully electric vehicles are an efficient way to cut down carbon dioxide emissions. The vehicles are emission free and can stay on pace with emerging clean technologies to provide them with electricity. The first installment of Gizmos and Gadgets focuses on some of the new developments in electric vehicles.

Fully electric cars are making their way into the commercial market. With companies such as Chevrolet, Nissan, and Toyota promoting fully electric sedans, electric cars will be available to a wider audience than those lucky enough to afford a Tesla Roadster.

Toyota has announced that along with the new plug in style Prius they will market an at home charger compatible with other models in 2012. The chargers will be available in two types, one designed to extend from an exterior wall of a home, and the other to be set up in a garage, according to Reuters.

The chargers will be compatible with plug in hybrids as well as fully electric models such as the Nissan Leaf, or Chevrolet Volt. These vehicles will be available for under $40,000 and are eligible for up $7,500 federal tax savings.

For those seeking high end luxury but still wishing to go green, Rolls-Royce announced they are developing a fully electric model called the 102EX based on the Phantom. Rolls-Royce is set to display a prototype of the vehicle at the Geneva Auto Show on March 1, according to Reuters.

Not to be outdone, Tesla Motors has announced the Model S, a fully electric luxury sedan based on Roadster technology. The Model S will start at $49,900 and will be capable of going 0-60 in 5.6 seconds. It will be begin shipping in the United States in 2012.