Chevrolet, Nissan and Ford are just some of the major auto manufacturers who have hit the highway to the future with electric cars.

With Chevrolet’s Volt already appearing in some dealerships across the country, it’s paving the way with a simple plug in to charge overnight. Manufactures are taking notice and creating their own environmentally friendly vehicles.

Tom Brumley, sales representative for Victor Nissan said its upcoming Nissan Leaf has been getting lots of inquiries.

“We’ve had a lot of people to inquire about it,” Brumley said. “It’s our very first 100 percent electric car.”

The Leaf, which hit auto showrooms in early December, uses no gas, no filters, radiators or spark plugs. Brumley said the car would even alert customers by cell phone when it’s fully charged.

“Electric vehicles will change everything because people won’t have to be dependent on gas,” Brumley said. “It’s just less you have to maintain.”

Brumley said the Leaf, which has no carbon dioxide emissions and will preheat and pre-cool its interior by the touch of a remote, is good for taking short trips.

“Once charged fully, it can go up to 100 miles,” Brumley said. “In addition, it can reach top speeds of 90 miles per hour. There’s no hassle.”

For those who are not yet ready for the new age of automotive technology, a hybrid, a car with two or more fuel sources and better performance, may be for you.

Mal Driggers, sales representative for Moore-Stewart Honda said there is no high demand for electric cars right now.

“Honda has had a hybrid for several years and in our part of the country, people are not really worried about being environmentally-friendly,” Driggers said. “If fuel goes up to $6 or more, or if it’s hard to get gas, hybrids may be important.”

Driggers said the public’s feelings about hybrids and electric cars could change in the future.

“I think we will see more hybrid cars in the next five years or so,” Driggers said. “It all depends on our fuel. There are just so many ifs, but I believe we’re on the verge of change.”