The new Americans

The changing automotive landscape and the race for new technology is creating a new wave of U.S. car companies. Here's a quick look.

Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors, in San Carlos, Calif., is selling a $109,000 electric Roadster that it claims has a driving range of about 240 miles. Tesla plans to add a plug-in electric luxury sedan, the Model S, starting in late 2011.

Aptera

The first model from this Vista, Calif., startup will be an electric-powered two-seater with three wheels. It's planned to go on sale in California later this year.

Fisker Automotive

Fisker, in Irvine, Calif., is developing an $88,000 plug-in hybrid luxury sedan called the Karma. It's claimed to deliver sports-car-like acceleration and to be able to go 50 miles on electric power before a gasoline engine kicks in. The sedan is expected to go on sale in early 2010, with a hardtop convertible coupe, the Karma Sunset, to follow.

Penske Automotive

This company, in Bloomfield, Mich., operates a network of 310 auto dealerships and is the U.S. distributor of the Smart ForTwo. Now Penske is also a car company, having bought the Saturn division from GM.

Global Electric Motorcars

GEM is a maker of low-speed electric vehicles that have a top speed of 25 mph and can be legally driven on public roads in many states. It's based in Fargo, N.D.

ZAP

This is a Santa Rosa, Calif., maker of small electric cars, including a three-wheeled coupe and a pickup.

V-Vehicle Co.

VVC, based in San Diego and backed by Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens, is planning to build an "environmentally friendly" vehicle at a former GM plant in Monroe, La. There are few details so far, but production could begin in early 2011.