If people are serious about using less gas and fewer resources, then just drive something used like this - the 2012 Mazda5 is a six-passenger minivan that gets 28 miles per gallon on the highway. By the way, a new $45,000 Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets 35 miles per gallon in mixed highway/city driving. In the Mazda5, I was able to get 24 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The Mazda5 is comfortable, fun to drive, and versatile - plus, it costs about $7,000 used. Maybe you don't need a new hybrid or electric car. It's a similar story with cars like the Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, and Kia Sportage.