1.Chevrolet Volt
General Motors is going all in with its new Volt, an advanced plug-in hybrid that can operate without using any gas on short trips.
Year: 2010
Cost: $30,000-$40,000 est.
Fuel economy: 50-100 mpg est.
The bet: The Volt will leapfrog Japanese technology.
The risk: The vehicle's price has crept into luxury territory. GM's iffy prospects don't help.
The innovation: A 40-mile electric-only range means some commuters will never burn any gas.
2.Honda InsightHonda is rebooting the Insight brand name. Honda's smaller 1999 Insight hybrid was quickly overshadowed and far outsold by the Toyota Prius.
Year: 2009
Cost: Less than $20,000
Fuel economy: 40-45 mpg est.
The bet: A roomier, more powerful Insight will have more appeal.
The risk: Without advanced features, the Insight could get lost in the flurry of new green cars. The innovation: Honda drove down manufacturing costs to make this hybrid the least expensive on the market. 
3.Volkswagen Jetta Tdi
Europe has been hesitant to embrace hybrid technology, favoring diesel-sipping engines instead. VW now plans to promote its TDI clean-diesel technology in the US.
Year: 2008
Cost: Base price,$21,990
Fuel economy: 30-41 mpg
The bet: Consumers will be swayed by the reliable, German-made diesel engines.
The risk: Diesel fuel costs more than gasoline and isn't as widely available.
The innovation: Highly efficient, turbo-charged engines turn out peppier performance than most hybrids.
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