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
Expanding Off-Grid Electric RVs
The Electric Transformer House is Sustainable and Luxurious
Adventurous Off-Road EV Concepts
The Kia EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR Concepts are Rugged
Off-Grid Exploration Vans
The Conceptual GAC Van Life Autonomous Vehicle is Eco-Friendly
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
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
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
Versatile Hydrogen Battery Systems
These Toyota Hydrogen Cartridges Would Work for Cars and More
Heritage-Honoring Hybrid Coupes
The Sixth-Generation Honda Prelude Has a Hybrid-Electric Motor
Fashion Designer City Cars
The Fiat 500e x Giorgio Armani is the Ultimate in Italian Luxury
Retro-Inspired Electric Vehicle Concepts
The Makkina Triumph TR25 is Inspired by the Jabbeke TR2
Beastly Luxury Electric SUVs
The Audi Q4 55 e-tron Has 335-Horsepower and More
Eco-Friendly Ammonia Engines
These Engines Can Power Automobiles Whilst Curbing Carbon Emissions
Camping-Friendly Crossover SUVs
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 Maximizes Comfort and Capability
Italian Sports Car-Branded Chargers
This Conceptual Ferrari EV Charger Pays Tribute to the Brand
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
Superyacht-Inspired EV Concepts
The Acura Performance EV Concept Shows Off an Ultra-Modern Form
70s-Style Race Cars
The Hyundai N Vision 74 is Expected to Jump from Concept to Real Life
Futuristic Auto Micro Factories
Most Architecture Unveils a Modern Factory for Charge Cars
Luxury Off-Road Electric SUVs
The Range Rover Electric Prototype Has a New Traction Control System
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
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Toyota Becomes a Founder Partner of Ionna Charging Stations
Revamped Sleek Electric Vehicles
Cadillac Introduces a New LYRIQ Electric Car to its Lineup
Future-Facing EV Designs
The Jaguar Type 00 Showcases the Brand's Future
Bold High-Tech Roadsters
The Chrysler Halcyon Concept is Electric and Fully Autonomous
Ultra-Futuristic Modern Cars
The Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven EV is Visually Striking
Electrified Classic Saloon Cars
Audi Has Outfitted a Vintage 'NSU Prinz 4' With An Electric Motor
All-Electric SUV Concepts
The Toyota LAND CRUISER Se Concept is at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show
Golf Car Charging Stations
WiTricity Offers Wireless Charging Solution for Electric Golf Cars
Dynamic Electric Vehicle Series
The Saloon and Space-Hub Join Honda's Sustainable 0 Series
Bedazzled Sequin Luxe Cars
The BMW XM Gets a Mystique Allure Design Inspired by Naomi Campbell
Reimagined EV Van Models
The Conceptual GMC Safari Electric Brings Back a Classic Model
Sophisticated High-Range EV Sedans
The 2025 Audi A6 e-tron Comes in Several Motor Options
Auto Brand Golf Experiences
The Genesis Invitational 2024 Featured an Immersive Media Experience
Escapism Electric Vehicle Concepts
The 'Trekker' Concept Vehicle is Imagined for Urbanites in 2030
Enhanced Hybrid SUVs
Volvo Fully Redesigned its XC90 for 2026 with All-new Features
Tech-Centric Automotive Retailers
Mercedes-Benz Kelowna Unveils a Futuristic Showroom Concept
Inaugural Fully Electric Cars
Maserati Debuted the Folgore Model During Milan Design Week
Luxe Electric Family Vehicles
Cadillac's VISTIQ SUV Pairs Three-Row Comfort with EV Performance
Curvaceous Electric Concept Cars
The 'EV Sport 01' Offers Powerful Performance In a Sleek Package
Racer-Inspired City Car Concepts
The Nissan Concept 20-23 is Imagined as the Perfect City Car
Shapeshifting Communal EVs
The Kia Concept PV5 and PV7 Have a Projected 2025 Release
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
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
Solar-Powered Autonomous Vehicles
The 'Ada' Autonomous Vehicle Concept is Passively Charged
Tech-Rich Compact Cars
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Comes in Three Models
Electric Luxe Concept Vehicles
Porsche Unveils a Look at the New Mission X Concept Hypercar
EV Headlight Flashlights
The Hyundai IONIQ Pixel Toy Flashlight Has a Vehicular Form
Eco Police Vehicle Designs
This Police Car Interior by David Dahlberg is Ultra-Modern
Sleek Superhero Sports Cars
The Pininfarina B95 Gotham Will Be at Monterey Car Week
High Speed-Capable Electric Vehicles
Kia Announces Its High-Performance 'EV 9 GT' Model
Smart Electric Fastback Sedans
XPeng Inc. is Set to Unveil Its New Auto on November 7, 2024
Night Vision Driving Systems
The Auto AI Night Vision System InfiRay NV2 is Debuting at CES 2024
Fashion Designer-Visionary Cars
Moncler and Mercedes-Benz Present the G-Class Past II Future
Android-Powered Infotainment Systems
The 2025 Ford Explorer Boasts Advanced Tech in the Cabin
Art Event Auto Partnerships
Acura Announces SCOPE Miami Art Week Mural and New ADX SUV
EV Automobile Re-Brandings
Honda Unveils a New Striped-Down Logo for the Future Cars
70s-Style Four-Door EVs
The New Ford Capri is Built on the Volkswagen MEB Platform
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
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
Electric Sports Car Concepts
Lotus is Designing its 'Theory 1' EV with Three-Seat Design
Sleek Sustainable EV Concepts
The Opel Experimental EV Concept Has Augmented Projection Technology
Adaptive Interior EV Models
The Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric Has a Solarbay Panoramic Roof
Turtle-Inspired Sleek Automobiles
Mercedes Benz Presents a Look at the Vision iMobility
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
Off-Road-Ready Electric Vehicles
The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT Has a Dual-Motor Drivetrain
Six-Wheel Drive Concept EVs
The Land AIrcraft Carrier by XPENG AEROHY is Made for Exploration
Retro-Styled Electric Convertibles
The Lightweight 'Carice TC2' Prioritizes Nostalgic Aesthetics
Inaugural Midsized Electric SUVs
The smart #5 Electric SUV Balances Function and Form
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
Colorful Vivid Small Automobiles
Fiat Presents a New Colorful Update Transforming its Grey Cars
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
One-Of-A-Kind Custom-Made Vehicles
Automobili Pininfarina Emphasizes Timeless Design with New Auto
Updated Sustainable API Features
Google Adds New Features to its Ingenious Project Sunroof
Hybrid-System Futuristic Hypercar Concepts
The Mercedes-AMG ONE Hypercar is Optimally Engineered
Cooling Vehicle Paint Technology
Nissan is Exploring a New Paint Technology to Improve Performance
Sleek Exclusive Collaborative Cars
Hyundai Presents the IONIQ 5 Disney100 Platinum Edition
Sleek Google-Enabled EVs
Honda Confirms the Acura ZDX Will Be First EV with Google Functionality
Battery Electric Performance Vehicles
Nissan's New Ariya Nismo is Inspired by the E-4orce
Canadian Italian Car Debuts
The Canadian International AutoShow Will Debut a New Maserati Grecale
Next-Gen Safety SUV Models
The Renault Symbioz Hybrid SUV is Modern and Fuel-Efficient
Painting-Inspired Artful Cars
The New BMW Art Car Takes the M Hybrid V8 As the Canvas
Car Education Clinics
She Auto Know's Winter Car Clinic Returns to Empower Women
Inviting Curvaceous Electric SUVs
The Genesis Neolun Concept is High-Performance and Luxurious
Dynamic Auto Marketing Campaigns
Hyundai Promotes Its Electrical Vehicle Line-up
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
Inaugural EV-Prototype Race Cars
The ABB NASCAR EV Prototype Was Unveiled at Chicago Street Race
Heritage-Honoring Electric SUVs
The 2026 Cadillac LYRIQ-V Marks 20 Years of the V-Series
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
Sustainable Hybrid Hypercars
Porsche's 2025 Carrera GTS is the First Performance Hybrid Drive
Luxury Utility Vehicle Concepts
The Pininfarina PURA Vision Concept Imagines the Future
AI-Empowered Vehicle Designs
Toyota Research Institute Plays Around with Generative AI
Eco-Conscious Car Lines
Motorglaze Unveils a New Car Care Line with Eco-Friendly Ceramic Coatings
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
Game Controller Steering Wheels
Sony and Honda Unveil a Unique Touch to the Afeela Sedan
Seamless Automotive Shopping Apps
Awin Group of Dealerships Launches Mobile App to Enhance CX
Electric Motors Technology Kits
Mahle Positions Itself as a "System Champion for E-mobility"
Battery Electric Vehicle Lines
Iveco Group Highlights Commitment to Diverse Energy Solutions
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
Hydrogen-Electric Racecars
The ACO and H24Project Unveiled 'MissionH24,' an Eco-Friendly Supercar
Electric Vehicle Maintenance Partnerships
NexDrive Joins Montreal Electric Vehicle Show 2024
Dynamic Artful Car Designs
Julie Mehretu Unveils the Art-Adorned BMW M Hybrid V8 Car
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