Whilst it is argued that some of these vehicles are not any more environmentally sound over their production lifecycle than other vehicles, we should appreciate that the technology is new and expensive for the manufacturer, with more limited production runs. The more we buy of these types of vehicles, the cheaper and more efficient the production process can become.
Electric vehicles have no emissions, but how is the electricity produced? If you do not have a Green Energy supplier then the answer is by burning fossil fuels. The Reva G Wiz and NICE Mega City cars are the best general private use electric cars available in the UK at the moment. But later this year there may be a viable alternative with an Electric Smart. Range [distance travelled on a charge] is still the big issue with electric cars
LPG conversions are more efficient and "cleaner" than petrol or diesel, but still require the use of an internal combustion engine. They are not limited in range in the same way as electric vehicles.
Toyota and Honda produce excellent hybrid vehicles. These are considered good environmental choices, but even they get no more than 60-65 mpg, the same as a standard Smart car.
