Small car manufacturers aren't the only ones getting in on the fun, however. There are also electric cars being offered by a range of manufacturers usually known for producing larger vehicles. For example, General Motors plug-in hybrid, known as the Chevrolet Volt, will also be put on to the roads in 2012. In addition, Audi will launch an electric sports car on to the market. This should be a fascinating car to behold, as it is expected to have performance in line with the Audi V10 R8, a respected and high performing sports car. It's not expected that this model will be cheap, but users can expected to be very rare in addition to being high-tech and excellent in terms of low emissions and environmental friendliness.



This is only the tip of the iceberg. In addition to the Audi, buyers can expect to buy electric cars in 2012 that include the Cadillac Converj, a coupe that is currently at concept stage. This is the Cadillac version of the aforementioned Chevrolet Volt, and should be an interested product to behold. Luxury brand Lexus will also release a sporty hatchback that will be a hybrid electric performance car, and will also be able to claim being the smallest Lexus ever released. This model will be aimed at younger buyers, but only at younger buyers who have money to burn.



In sum, there is a wide range of electric and hybrid cars expected to hit the roads in 2012. Concept models are already being tried out and tested in a variety of countries, and designs are being modified and refined to ensure environmental friendliness and high performance. It will be interesting to see the state of play when 2012 dawns: will hybrid and electric cars begin to take over the market? Or are car manufacturers dabbling in something that may not deliver returns?