Inventor: Pivco and Ford
Slow, pricey and impractical, electric cars for years have had a bad rap. Ford could start to change all that with its bubble-shaped City car, which hit the streets of Los Angeles, New York City and London this year. Running on 18 NiCad batteries, the City tops out at 65 m.p.h. but can travel only 55 miles between charges. Ford thinks it's the perfect commuter car—as long as you don't miss your exit.
Availability: Leases for $199 a month
To Learn More: www.thinkmobility.com