It is true that hybrid vehicles have yet to gain the popular vote, instead they have been more of a niche vehicle, owned by few and doubted by many. However, with several luxury automakers releasing hybrid vehicles of their own in 2014, things are about to change.  In fact, 2014 may prove to be the Year of the Electric Car.

Cadillac has been known as the brand of excess, so it is generally a good model for forecasting where the electric vehicle industry is headed. With the 2014 Cadillac ELR you get increased fuel economy and an electric-only mode, so while you may not be able to travel more than 40 miles on a full charge, both advancements are breakthroughs for the GM Deluxe line.

With the new Tesla Model X, it is more about performance. With the new 2014 model, drivers can enjoy racing from 0 – 60 mph in a mere 5 seconds along with falcon-wing doors that allow easy access to three rows of seating.

Perhaps you are looking to conquer a bit more ground with a full charge; the new BMW i3 offers just that. Boasting a price that is far cheaper than that of Tesla or Cadillac, the 2014 BMW i3 will cover 80-100 miles on a single charge. BMW built this, their first electric car, from the ground up making sure to give it nothing but their full attention in design and performance.

Of course Cadillac, Tesla and BMW aren’t the only electric carmakers competing in the 2014 market of vehicles. Honda, Audi and Mercedes also put up a good argument as to why their electric vehicles are the best. In 2014 look for a Honda Accord Plug-in that boasts a whopping 124 mpg in the city. The new Audi A3 e-tron will cover 30 miles on a single charge and travel a full 500 miles once a full tank of gas has been used, proof that Audi is taking electric vehicles very seriously. Finally when the world’s most revered luxury car gets an electric motor, you know the times have officially changed. In 2014 look for the Mercedes S Class to have a new hybrid partner, the Regal S 500 plug-in. Arriving late in 2014, the Mercedes Regal S 500 will travel 18 miles on an electric charge and get about 80 mpg.

With BMW, Cadillac & Mercedes Benz all releasing hybrid vehicles in 2014 it would be a pretty safe bet that 2014 will be the Year of the Hybrid. This may leave some of you wondering where you can have your hybrid vehicle’s maintenance performed. Look no further than your local hybrid shop. Many local hybrid auto repair shops are able to perform oil changes, flush your transmission, perform a Hybrid liquid cooling system flush, or even recondition your hybrid battery.  Locate your local qualified hybrid auto repair shop today and have confidence that your hybrid vehicle in is good hands.