If you want to have a car with zero emissions that doesn’t require you to find a hydrogen station for a refill, then a plug-in electric model is the answer. Most new hybrids still run on gasoline/biofuel-powered engines that also recharge their batteries for electric assistance for short distances. New lithium-ion batteries have now made it possible for electric cars to simply plug into any electric outlet to recharge. These batteries will last for 250,000 miles, so you never need to worry about replacing them. And because electric motors have only one moving part, you don’t need to worry about oil, coolant, and filters, while saving thousands of dollars a year on gasoline. Federal tax credits will also compensate you for some of the increased cost of these vehicles.

General Motors is leading the race for the first production plug-in hybrid by developing a grid-ready version of its Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid. The project is on the fast track to hit the marketplace in 2009. This hybrid SUV will utilize a modified version of GM’s existing hybrid system (for more, go to www.saturn.com).

The most exotic-looking plug-in about to appear on the road is the Fisker Karma. This rear-wheel-drive sedan will get more than 50 miles on electric power alone. It also has a small gasoline engine to recharge the battery for longer trips. This beauty also includes a solar-panel roof to recharge while parked without plugging in. However, all this convenience comes at a steep price: $80,000. You will also need to order soon, as the annual production will will be limited to 15,000 vehicles with delivery in 2009 (for more information, visit www.fiskerautomotive.com).

For something truly unique and fun to drive, you should check out the VentureOne. This three-wheeled two-seater leans around corners like a motorcycle and has a batteries-only range of up to 350 miles at a top speed of more than 100 mph. It will be available next year for $18,000 from Venture Vehicles in Los Angeles (for more, go to www.flytheroad.com).

The Chevrolet Volt sedan will have an all-electric range of 40 miles and cost around $30,000. It will be out in 2010. If you can’t wait that long, you may want to consider a converter kit that will turn any hybrid with ion batteries into a plug-in. Battery Range Extender Modules (BREMs) from Hymotion will also extend the range to 35 to 40 miles. Recharging will take approximately four hours on 110V and will cost under $1 for a full charge. This module will initially be offered on the Toyota Prius but Hymotion intends to make it available for most hybrid-powered vehicles this year (for more information, visit www.hymotion.com).

Since most people don’t drive more than 30 miles a day, all of these vehicles will make it possible to avoid burning (and buying) fuel. As their numbers grow, it will also mean significant improvement in the air we breathe.