With the continuing rise of gas prices, more Americans have turned to fuel efficient compacts with conventional gas engines as opposed to more expensive gas-electric hybrids. Sales among such models as the Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze and Hyundai Elantra have gradually increased while hybrids such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid haven't seen much significant gain. Compacts such as the aforementioned can get 40mpg or very close to it.

On the other hand, Toyota Prius gets an average of 50mpg, something to consider when the average price of gas in the US sits at $3.62 and fluctuates often. In the wake of the rising cost at the pump, the US government is considering increasing fuel economy requirements to 56mpg by 2025. A goal of this magnitude would amount to approximately a five percent increase per year during that time period. Many environmental groups have obviously backed this proposed new fuel economy standard that would start in 2017.

In terms of hybrids and EVs, the batteries and electric motors alone can raise the price of the vehicle by a whopping $6,000. Not to mention the fact that EV's will require charging stations to plug-in and recharge. The Nissan Leaf also poses somewhat of a risk for pedestrians with its stealthy EV silence. Since the noise will be muted by the EV switch, certain people such as the elderly, blind, deaf and even someone listening to music can all be at risk of getting struck by the car.

Automakers will be advocating for one national standard, as opposed to allowing states to decide their own fuel economy numbers, when the proposed rules are announced this September.