Europe's Hybrid and Electric Passenger Vehicles

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July 27, 2009; Reuters reported that Europe is gearing up for the arrival en masse of electric cars in the coming years, but they won't be the only solution -- hybrid vehicles will also be a weapon in the fight to meet tough emissions reduction targets.

Nissan is due to unveil its first electric car model in Yokohama on Aug. 2.

Below are some key facts about some of the electric and hybrid models available now or due to be launched soon.

TOYOTA PRIUS

• 5 door hatchback/sedan hybrid electric car
• First mass-produced hybrid, introduced in Japan in 1997
• Solar powered ventilation inside car
• Can travel upto 716 miles on one tank of fuel
• 139,174 sold in Europe since 2000 launch

MERCEDES S400

Hybrid sedan

Lithium-ion battery

Top speed of 250km/h

3.5-litre V6 engine

HONDA INSIGHT

First generation launched 1999, second generation 2009

5 door, 5 seat hybrid electric vehicle

Eco mode button helps adjust settings to make most of fuel

CHEVROLET VOLT

Lithium-ion battery, with petrol range-extending engine

Launch scheduled for 2010

40 mile battery range

MINI E

3 door, 2 seat electric car

Top speed of 95mph

Range of 150 miles

Battery can charge in as little as 2.9 hours

Pilot programme in Berlin in 2009

SMART FORTWO ED

2 seat battery electric vehicle

72 mile range between charges

Takes about 8 hours for a full charge

Urban vehicle piloted in the UK

MITSUBISHI IMIEV

4-seater electric car

Can be charged 100V or 200V power source at home

160km driving range, top speed of 130km/h

On sale to fleet customers in Japan

Priced at $47,580

OPEL AMPERA

5-door, four-seat extended range electric car

Can be plugged into household power outlets

60km emission-free battery range, 500km extended range

Production launch due in 2011

Compiled for Reuters by Jasmine Singh; Editing by Helen Massy-Beresford