2017 could see tipping point for hybrid cars with more features

New York

UNTIL recently, if you wanted to ditch your gas guzzler and go electric, there were few choices. You could take the high road and opt for a US$70,000 luxury vehicle, such as the Tesla Model S, or take the low road and choose a more modest commuter, like the US$31,000 Nissan Leaf.

But this year, all that appears to be changing. Over 40 new electrified vehicles are coming out in the United States, according to Baum & Associates, a research firm. Models include the Honda Clarity electric sedan and a Chrysler Pacifica minivan. Even the tiny Smart Fortwo line will abandon gas entirely in the United States in favour of all-electric powertrains.

More important, say automakers, there promises to be a proliferation of plug-in hybrids similar to the Chevrolet Volt. Plug-in hybrids can drive in elect…