At the LA Auto Show in November, Chevrolet debuted their all electric plug-in compact car - the Spark EV.
Philly Auto Show Director Mike Gempp was there to gauge the reaction.
"The consumers have talked back and said, 'You know what, we like that idea, but we don't like the fact that we are range limited,'" said Gempp.
Mixing and matching power trains could be the solution.
"If you go over to Ford, you'll see they have an entire hybrid division called C-Max. So you can have a plug in, and you can have a hybrid. The gas engine and a hybrid is really a brilliant solution. And as technology crosses the line, the cost comes down," said Jean Jennings, President of Automobile Magazine.
However for some of today's drivers, the cost of hybrids is still a concern.
"I save $500 to $1,000 a year. Do I want to spend ten grand up front for that and they say no. One of the key things we're seeing is downsized engines with turbo charges and the idea is you replace a three liter with a two liter two cylinder turbo motor. With the turbo charger it makes just as much horsepower as the V6 did, but it gets the four cylinder fuel economy," said Csaba Csere, of Car & Driver.
In a few weeks, area drivers and car enthusiasts will be able ask questions and even test drive the new crop of fuel efficient models at the Philadelphia International Auto Show.
"In addition to the ride and drive offered on the main floor, like Toyota and Jeep. We're actually offering five outside drive and rides this year. So, the manufactures have really seen a response from being able to put a consumer behind the wheel of the vehicle at the auto show," said Gempp.
Don't forget to mark your calendars! The Philadelphia International Auto Show starts Jan. 19th!
Tickets are available online at Phillyautoshow.com and you can also go to the FYI Philly Facebook page for a chance to win!
