Green cars to drive New York auto show

NEW YORK— When Toyota aired a Super Bowl television ad featuring a surprisingly quick Prius gas-electric hybrid eluding police, it marked a turning point for the auto industry.

For years, automakers pushed fuel efficiency to sell hybrid and electric vehicles. Now, in an era of cheap gasoline, the message is: These cars are faster and quieter than their gaspowered counterparts. And, yes, you still save on fuel.

“They’ve graduated out of the class of something that’s a bit of an oddity to drive,” said Mike O’Brien, vicepresident of product planning for Hyundai. “It’s all about making these cars better.”

Until now, hybrids and electrics have largely appealed to the environmentally-conscious crowd. Now, the tide is slowly turning. General Motors and Tesla will bring electric vehicles to market next year priced around $30,000, including a $7,500 U.S. federal tax credit. Battery range has improved significantly, experts expect gasoline prices to eventually climb higher and the advent of autonomous vehicles favours motors powered by electricity over gas.

At the New York International Auto Show this week, Hyundai will join Toyota in showing off new electric and hybrid vehicles. Hyundai will unveil battery, gas-electric hybrid and plug-in versions of a new car called the Ioniq, while Toyota will show a plug-in Prius that can run on electricity alone, as well as both gas and electricity. The new Prius has an increased battery range.

As a power source, electricity outpaces gasoline in just about every area, says Karl Brauer, senior auto analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

Advancements have made batteries smaller, increased their storage capacity and brought prices down. Electrics also are far quieter. And with fewer moving parts, they’re more reliable, he said.