C
hallenging circumstances call
for innovative action. We’ve
seen plenty of both, as a falling
economy and rising gas prices in recent
years have brought new technologies and
choices from the automakers.
Today, we have more choices in alterna-
tive fuel and fuel-efficient vehicles than
ever. Electric “plug-ins” have given us the
option of bypassing the pump altogether,
and the technology improves each year,
with a focus on expanded range and
accessibility to charging facilities. You’ll
now find charging stations in downtown
parking facilities, at ferry docks, along the
I-5 corridor and right here at CenturyLink
Field Event Center.
Ford enters the competition for 2013
with the Focus Electric, joining the Nis-
san Leaf and Mitsubishi MiEV in a full
frontal assault on fossil fuels. Chevrolet
returns with improvements on the Volt, an
extended-range electric that was on many
Top 10 lists last year. Look also for offerings
from the Smart ForTwo Electric, the Honda
Fit EV and the Toyota Prius plug-in.
Seattle’s own MC Electric has been a
leader in electric vehicles for a long time.
The company has expanded its display at
this year’s shows to include new vehicles
from ZENN, GEM and Firefly. MC will
also have a charged-up collection of two-
wheeled alternatives, including motor-
cycles, scooters and bikes.
Finally, don’t miss the Fisker Karma, the
brilliantly designed sports car with some
of the most advanced alternative-fuel
technology (and breathtaking good looks)
on the planet.
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Seattle Auto Show Official Guide
Above: Fisker Karma. Below left: Honda Fit EV. Below right: Chevrolet Volt.
Vehicles are charged up for electric transport
If you’re a licensed driver, there’s
a good chance you can get behind
the wheel of some the Auto Show’s
most popular rides. This year there are
more options than ever, with Buick,
Chevrolet, Dodge, Fiat, GMC, Jeep,
Kia, Ram, Scion and Toyota all offering
test drives. Across the street at Safeco
Field, Ford is showing how its diverse
lineup offers the “Power of Choice.”
Age minimums vary with each manu-
facturer, so be ready to show some ID
and do a little paperwork. It will all be
worth it when you slide into the driver’s
seat of a brand-new vehicle for a drive
through Seattle streets.
MORE TEST-DRIVE OPTIONS THIS YEAR
