A couple of months ago, I wrote about a luge-like car scheduled for production by VW in 2010, which will get upwards of 200 miles per gallon of diesel fuel.
Even more exciting are the emerging options for electric cars. Zap Electric Cars is now accepting reservations for several models scheduled for delivery in 2009. These cars range in price from $11,700 to $32,500. Zap also sells electric bicycles (under $500) and scooters (around $3500).
The Jaguar of electric cars is being produced by Tesla Motors. Their Tesla Roadster, in production now, looks to be an absolutely gorgeous vehicle - and is definitely on my own material-things wish-list. It's just a bit (ahem) pricey - but my prediction is that within five years - as manufacturing glitches are worked out, and more and more people are driving electric cars - that the price will drop by 50% at least.
Imagine the kind of healing for our planet, if even half of those who own cars choose, in coming years, to convert to an electric version :)