With the 2012 NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) running from January 9 - 22, with special focus on greener technologies, this list of environmental innovations made for the auto industry is sure to be enlightening for both car enthusiasts and environmentalists.
From current hybrid vehicles to fully electric ones; concept cars to new technologies, these chic modes of transportation will inspire you to aim for a greener tomorrow. And, with eco-friendly sport cars, luxury vehicles and futuristic car designs, you may not even believe that these automobiles -- some of which have been proven to outperform traditional cars -- are all better for the environment. You can even find examples of electric car technologies such as innovative chargers in this list, or if you’re looking for a car that runs on an alternative form of energy, you may want to check out some of the included wind-powered vehicles. So before you head out to NAIAS 2012 to find out which hybrid car you should invest in, peruse through everything listed here and you may find that it’s already available.
50 Green Auto Innovations
49
3-Wheeled Diesel-Electric Cars
The 'Aptera Electric' Car Might Not Be Far From Reality
48
Insectile Electric Cars
The Chevrolet NGO is an Efficient Organic Automobile
47
Super Charged Electric Cars
Ultimate Aero EV from Shelby SuperCars
46
Fuel-Free Superbikes
The Voltra Electric Motorcycle is One Tough Green Machine
45
Aggressive Eco Automobiles
BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Frankfurt Preview is Badass
44
Super-Compact Electric Cars
Airwaves
43
Luxury Electric Cars
GM Builds Cadillac Converj
42
UK All-Electric Cars
ZeCar & Zevan by Stevens Vehicles
41
Kite-Powered Concept Cars
The Honda Kaze Harnesses Wind and Sun Power to Work
40
Solar Electric Cars
The Bluecar by Pininfarina and Bollore Powered by Supercapacitor
39
Shape-Shifting Electric Cars
The Enyoii by Gerardo Delgado Martinez is an Open-Air Eco Roadster
38
Electric Sportscars
Electric Porsche 911 eRUF Model A
37
Disassembling Electric Vehicles
The Remora Concept Car Can be Taken Apart to Charge
36
Aerodynamic Eco Vans
Creative Unit's Hinterland Electric Cars
35
Solar Electric Cars
The Sun-Powered Minilux Leisure Car
34
Free Electric Cars (With Subscription)
Project Better Place
33
Environmental Cars Can Be Super Awesome Too
LifeCar
32
Recyclable Mini-Cars
The Cardboard Smart ForTwo is an Eco Auto Enthusiast's Dream Come True
31
Recyclable Electric Cars
Simply City is a Lightweight Eco-Car Concept
30
Electric Cars in America
Zap! Manufactured in Kentucky
29
Elegantly Luxurious Electric Cars
The TESLA Electric Car Offers First-Class Performance
28
Turbo Eco Autos
Dalibor Pantucek's Skoda Rapid is a Super Efficient Car
27
Electrified Muscle Cars
The G-Vette is an Electric-Powered Corvette ZR1
26
Manufacturing Electric Cars
Eco-Designs from EV Company Available for Licensed Production
25
Promotional E-Car Chargers
GM to Give Free EV Charging Stations to First Volt Buyers
24
Shape-Shifting Green Cars
'Cell' Eco Car by Tom Kent Can Lane-Split in Traffic Like a Motorcycle
23
Zero-Emissions Daily Drivers
2010 Nissan Leaf Electric Car Delivers With Space & Speed
22
Tuned Electric Cars
The Brabus-Tesla Roadster
21
Micro Eco Autos (UPDATE)
The Toyota Scion iQ Electric Car Will be Released in 2012
20
Range-Defying Electric Cars
The Schluckspecht EV Shatters Previous World Records
19
Racer-Inspired Eco Autos
The purEonic Concept Car is Designed for the Track
18
Bright Wind-Powered Wheels
The Kazaguruma Uses Natural Wind Energy To Move
17
Eco Luxury Auto Lines
The BMW i Brings a New Breed of Electric Cars
16
Badass Electric Bikes
Zero S Is Perfect For Cruising City Streets or Off-Roading
15
Buggy Electric Cars
KAWKABA-3000 Eco Concept is Powered with a Rechargeable Electric Battery
14
Free Charging Stations
Charge Your Electric Car for Free
13
Electrifying Autos
BMW's ActiveE Concept Will Shock You With Electric Feel
12
Ocean-Inspired Eco-Cars
The MiraQua Concept Car Puts a Fresh Face on the Electric Car
11
Eight-Wheeled Electric Cars
Japan Scientist Builds The Eliica Electric
10
Car-Charging Ports
The New York Solar Powered Electric Car Charger is Eco-Tastic
9
Two-Way Vehicle Chargers
The Nissan Leaf Will Power Your House
8
Dual-Clutch Eco Autos
Fiat Debuts All-New Transmission in Alfa Romeo MiTo Hatchback (UPDATE)
7
German Electric Cars
Audi Leaks Details at Paris Auto Show 2008
6
Eco-Friendly Car Rentals
The WeCar Enterprise Rent-a-Car System Helps Clean Up the Environment
5
Storage-Extending Cars
The Dock + Go Concept Helps Electric Autos Keep Going
4
Electrified Off-Roaders
'Fun' from Ecos Motors Offers a Green Alternative to the Jeep
3
Popularizing Electric Cars
Turkey to Manufacture and Export Renault 'Fluence ZE'
2
Snow-White Electric Cars
The SIM LEI is a Speedily Efficient Green Vehicle
1
Noisemakers for Electric Cars
Lotus "Safe and Sound" Technology
Related Ideas
Plane-Inspired Vehicle Designs
This Mercedes-Benz Concept Vehicle by Al Yasid Balances Aesthetics
Electric Bright Concept Trucks
The New Ram 1500 EV Concept Design is Just Unveiled
Expanding Off-Grid Electric RVs
The Electric Transformer House is Sustainable and Luxurious
Off-Grid Exploration Vans
The Conceptual GAC Van Life Autonomous Vehicle is Eco-Friendly
Digital Nomad Concept Cars
This Multipurpose Car Was Envisioned By Students From Skoda
Automatic Electric Rebranding
Lancia is Rebranding Itself Entirely as an EV-Only Company
Streamlined Digital EV Concepts
The INFINITI Vision Qe Concept Has a Sleek, Futuristic Form
Semi-Transparent Concept Cars
This Renault Twingo Concept Features an Inside-Out Design
Off-Grid Workspace Vehicles
The Škoda Roadiaq Concept Car is Based on the Enyaq iV
Flying Car Concepts
Alef Aeronautics Comes Closer to Making Flying Cars a Reality with Model-A
900-Mile Electric Vehicles
Toyota Claims its Solid-State Batteries Will Reach 900 Miles per Charge
Two-Wheeled EV Concepts
The 'SHANE' Two-Wheeled Electric Car Concept Has Space for Five
Luxury Long-Range Electric Sedans
The Lexus LF-ZC Was Unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show
Retro-Inspired Electric Vehicle Concepts
The Makkina Triumph TR25 is Inspired by the Jabbeke TR2
Eco-Friendly Ammonia Engines
These Engines Can Power Automobiles Whilst Curbing Carbon Emissions
Beastly Luxury Electric SUVs
The Audi Q4 55 e-tron Has 335-Horsepower and More
Luxury Off-Road Electric SUVs
The Range Rover Electric Prototype Has a New Traction Control System
Superhero-Inspired Automobiles
Midjourney Boasts a Slew of AI-Generated Car Designs
Italian Sports Car-Branded Chargers
This Conceptual Ferrari EV Charger Pays Tribute to the Brand
Sleek Electric Concept Vehicles
The Hyundai Concept Luxe Sedan Has Extra Seating in the Boot
Supersonic Aircraft-Inspired EVs
The Conceptual Concorde 20+ Features Aviation Inspiration
Water-Ready Sports Car Concepts
The Citroën Above and Under by Sangheon Chung is Transformative
Electric Five-Door Cars
This Vehicle is a Reimagined Version Of the 'Renault 5' Sports Car
Groundbreaking Electric Vehicle Line-Ups
Honda Debuts Two Concepts Models in the Honda 0 Series
Futuristic Auto Micro Factories
Most Architecture Unveils a Modern Factory for Charge Cars
70s-Style Race Cars
The Hyundai N Vision 74 is Expected to Jump from Concept to Real Life
Zero-Emission Race Cars
Karfidov lab designs the Formula Polestar for the future
Exquisitely Elegant Electric Cars
The 'Model 01' Adopts a Classy, Minimalist Aesthetic
Style-Conscious PHEVs
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime is Sleek, Speedy and Spacious
Autonomous Showroom Concepts
JIDU's Dealership Experience Lets Buyers Watch Their Car Pilot Itself
Aerodynamic Electric Sedans
Volkswagen's 'ID.7' Sedan Offers An Impressive Range Of 700 Kilometers
Eco-Friendly Automotive Tires
These Goodyear Sustainable Tires Have Traction-Tracking Treads
Bold High-Tech Roadsters
The Chrysler Halcyon Concept is Electric and Fully Autonomous
Electrified Classic Saloon Cars
Audi Has Outfitted a Vintage 'NSU Prinz 4' With An Electric Motor
Ultra-Futuristic Modern Cars
The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven EV is Visually Striking
All-Electric SUV Concepts
The Toyota LAND CRUISER Se Concept is at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show
Dynamic Electric Vehicle Series
The Saloon and Space-Hub Join Honda's Sustainable 0 Series
Golf Car Charging Stations
WiTricity Offers Wireless Charging Solution for Electric Golf Cars
Reimagined EV Van Models
The Conceptual GMC Safari Electric Brings Back a Classic Model
Sculpted Electric SUV Models
The Ford All-Electric Explorer Modernizes a Classic Model
Auto Brand Golf Experiences
The Genesis Invitational 2024 Featured an Immersive Media Experience
Arctic Edition Electric Vehicles
The Nissan Ariya Pole Expedition EV Was Modified by Arctic Trucks
Next-Generation BEV Collections
Toyota Announced its Upcoming 'Electrificiation' of Lexus
Futuristic Retro-Inspired Sedans
The Hyundai NINE Concept Harkens Back to 1980s Sports Cars
Escapism Electric Vehicle Concepts
The 'Trekker' Concept Vehicle is Imagined for Urbanites in 2030
Cartoon-Branded Concept Cars
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 Disney100 Platinum Concept Has Specialty Branding
Inaugural Fully Electric Cars
Maserati Debuted the Folgore Model During Milan Design Week
Curvaceous Electric Concept Cars
The 'EV Sport 01' Offers Powerful Performance In a Sleek Package
Lighting-Wrapped Concept Coupes
The 'Genesis GV80' Features An Unapologetically Sporty Aesthetic
Racer-Inspired City Car Concepts
The Nissan Concept 20-23 is Imagined as the Perfect City Car
Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicles
The 'Ada' Autonomous Vehicle Concept is Passively Charged
Gen Z-Targeted Car Concepts
These Toyota bZ Concept Cars Were Debuted at Auto Shanghai
Sculpted Zero-Emissions Crossovers
The Toyota Sport Crossover Concept Will Arrive in 2025
Luxury Italian Electric Vehicles
The AEHRA Sedan Has a Sleek Yet Practical Aesthetic
Long-Range All-Electric SUVs
Honda Presents a Look at the New Electric 2024 Prologue
Tech Brand Vehicle Features
Sony and Honda's Collaborative 'Afeela' Car Boasts Entertainment Tech
Consolidated Automotive Apps
The 'Fisker' App Caters to Every Aspect Of the Customer Experience
Hydrogen-Powered Concept Vehicles
Yamaha Unveils its Hydrogen-Powered Golf Cart, the 'Drive H2'
All-Electric Luxury Cars
Lamborghini Unveils the Lanzador Concept, Its Inaugural All-Electric Auto
Yellow Camouflage Electric Cars
Mini Set to Release the Eco-Friendly 2025 Mini Countryman SUV
Color-Changing Concept Cars
The BMW i Vision Dee Offers a Glimpse of the Future at CES 2023
Sneaker-Resembling Electric SUVs
New Balance and Nissan Join Forces on the Special 327 Edition
Electric Luxe Concept Vehicles
Porsche Unveils a Look at the New Mission X Concept Hypercar
Tech-Rich Compact Cars
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Comes in Three Models
Solar-Powered City Cars
Squad Mobility's SQUAD Car is a CES 2023 Innovation
Night Vision Driving Systems
The Auto AI Night Vision System InfiRay NV2 is Debuting at CES 2024
Emoting-Grille Car Concepts
BMW's I Vision Dee Concept Creates a Digitalized Driving Experience
EV Automobile Re-Brandings
Honda Unveils a New Striped-Down Logo for the Future Cars
Electric Hybrid Vibrant Vehicles
GM Unveils the 2024 Corvette E-Ray Hybrid Through the Tools
Artistic Auto Showcases
The 20th BMW Art Car Was Unveiled at the Guggenheim Museum
Distinguished Digitally-Focused EVs
The Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV is the Brand's First EV Yet
Smartphone-Brand Electric Sedans
Xiaomi is Shaking Up the Electric Auto Industry With the 'SU7' EV
All-Electric Sleek Fastback Sedans
Volkswagen Presents the ID.7, an Electric Update
All-Metal Sports Cars
The Porsche 928 E Concept by Youngjai Jun Has a Retro-Future Design
Athletically Sleek SUV Models
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 Comes in Several Power Options
Italian Architecture-Inspired EVs
The Lancia Pu+Ra HPE Pays Homage to the Past and Future
Retro-Futuristic Headlight Automobiles
BMW Vision's Neue Klasse Gears Towards an Electric Angle
Performance Electric Concept Cars
The Polestar O2 Concept is Designed with a Contoured Shape
Sleek Sustainable EV Concepts
The Opel Experimental EV Concept Has Augmented Projection Technology
Eco-Friendly Telecom Companies
SK Group Showcased Over 40 Sustainable Technologies at CES 2023
Adaptive Interior EV Models
The Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric Has a Solarbay Panoramic Roof
Bendable Battery Designs
Anthro Energy's Flexible Battery Was Showcased at the Beacon Exhibition
Zero-Emissions Aircraft
This Battery-Electric Aircraft Aims to Revolutionize Air Travel
Turtle-Inspired Sleek Automobiles
Mercedes Benz Presents a Look at the Vision iMobility
Six-Wheel Drive Concept EVs
The Land AIrcraft Carrier by XPENG AEROHY is Made for Exploration
Retro-Futuristic Electric SUVs
KIA Reveals Its Retro-Futuristic Designed All-Electric EV9 SUV
Retro-Styled Electric Convertibles
The Lightweight 'Carice TC2' Prioritizes Nostalgic Aesthetics
All-Electric Vehicle Multiverse Ads
Acura Launches Its New World. Same Energy. Campaign
Smart Drive Systems
Panasonic Automotive Updated its SkipGen Drive System with Assistants
Luxury Long-Range Electric SUVs
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Delivers a 450-Mile Range
Color-Changing Outdoor SUV Concepts
The Lexus LX 600 Premium AAP Build Has a Striking Wrap
Weatherized Winter Concept Vehicles
Genesis Presents the Striking X Snow Speedium Concept
Sporty EV Concept Designs
The Lexus RZ Sport Concept Was at the Tokyo Auto Salon
Colorful Vivid Small Automobiles
Fiat Presents a New Colorful Update Transforming its Grey Cars
Collaboration Prototype Electric Vehicles
The Sony x Honda Afeela EV Was Unveiled at CES 2023
Range-Boosting Aerodynamic Systems
Hyundai's 'Active Air Skirts' Increase the Efficiency Of EVs
Sporty All-Electric Concept Cars
The Volkswagen ID.X Performance Maximizes Electric Capabilities
Electrified Supercar Concepts
Nissan Showcased the Hyper Force Concept Car at Japan Mobility Show
Updated Sustainable API Features
Google Adds New Features to its Ingenious Project Sunroof
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles
The Club Car CRU Invites People to Slow Down & "Be a Detourist"
Sleek Exclusive Collaborative Cars
Hyundai Presents the IONIQ 5 Disney100 Platinum Edition
Upcycled Automotive Couture Collections
This Collection is Made With Discarded Auto Components
Battery Electric Performance Vehicles
Nissan's New Ariya Nismo is Inspired by the E-4orce
Two-Seater Solar-Powered Vehicles
Aptera Presents the ‘Launch Edition’ of Its Solar Electric Car
Canadian Italian Car Debuts
The Canadian International AutoShow Will Debut a New Maserati Grecale
Electric Vehicle-Inspired Racing Trophies
This Formula E Trophy Takes After the GEN3 Car
Lifestyle Concept Vehicles
Audi Unveiled the 'Activesphere' Concept in a Short Teaser
High-End Electric SUVs
Kia's CEO Confirmed the Upcoming Launch of the Kia EV9 GT Performance SUV
Inviting Curvaceous Electric SUVs
The Genesis Neolun Concept is High-Performance and Luxurious
Elongated Electric Crossover Vehicles
The 2024 Acura ZDX EV Revives the Brand's Crossover Model
Innovative Smart Cockpit Designs
AUO is Set to Debut the The Smart Cockpit 2024 at CES
All-Electric Sports Cars
Porsche's Vision 357 Speedster is an Ultra-Luxurious Model
Sleek Inaugural Electric Vehicles
Vinfast Presents its Inaugural EV in the Form of the VF 8
Intelligent Infotainment System Updates
Gm Will Move to a New Google Infotainment System for EVs
Transparent Modern Auto Updates
The Renault Twingo Gets Another New Design Iteration
Electronic Waste-Built Racing Cars
Lazerian and Envision Racing Design the Recover-E Series
Electric Stealthy Production Cars
Dodge Unveils the Official Charger Daytona Electric Car
Custom-Modified Electric Vehicles
The NOVITEC Tesla Model Y Shows Off a Range of Updates
Luxury Utility Vehicle Concepts
The Pininfarina PURA Vision Concept Imagines the Future
AI-Empowered Vehicle Designs
Toyota Research Institute Plays Around with Generative AI
Game-Inspired Electric Vehicles
Peugeot Designs the New Inception EV With Game-Like Steering
Immersive Ultra-Fast Electric Vehicles
Lotus Presents the Emeya Car with a Full Electric Build
Stylish Concept Electric Cars
The Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class has a Sleek Visual
Sculpted Digital Conceptual Vehicles
Nissan Presents a Look at the Hyper Adventure Digital Concept
Crabwalk Electric Car Updates
Hyundai Adds a New e-Corner Technology to the Ioniq EV
Game Controller Steering Wheels
Sony and Honda Unveil a Unique Touch to the Afeela Sedan
Free Gas Giveaways
Autotrader is Giving Free Gas for One Year to 11 Lucky Winners
Compact Electric SUVs
Volvo Delivers the New EX90 that is Set to Launch on June 7th
Six-Seater Adventure Vehicles
The Mitsubishi D:X Concept1 is Suited for Off-Road Adventures
High-Performance Electric Cars
Hyundai Presents its New Electric Ioniq 5 N Automobile
Second-Generation Eco-Friendly EVs
The Hyundai KONA EV Offers Up to 490-Kilometers of Range
Hydrogen-Electric Racecars
The ACO and H24Project Unveiled 'MissionH24,' an Eco-Friendly Supercar
Ultra-Fast Production Electric Cars
The New Polestar 4 EV is Expected to Debut in Shanghai
Sleek Futuristic Electric Vehicles
Nissan Unveils a Look at the Max-Out EV Concept Converitible
Energy-Efficient Hybrid Vehicles
These Peugeot Hybrid Vehicles Reduce Fuel Use by 15%
Electric Vehicle Maintenance Partnerships
NexDrive Joins Montreal Electric Vehicle Show 2024
Updated Summer-Ready Electric Vehicles
The New EVs are Launched for BMW Summer 2023 Series
Price-Friendly All-Electric Premium SUVs
Volvo Unveils the New EX30 as a More Affordable Luxe SUV
Sleek Premium EV Concepts
BMW Presents a New Vision Neue Klasse Concept to Join its Range
Luxury-Focused Electric Cars
Audi Updates the Q8 E-Tron with More Premium Elements