“Going green” can be difficult in a city like Phoenix. You can keep track of your recyclables, buy organic and even compost, but what about that long commute every Monday through Friday? There are a few options open for those determined to reduce their carbon footprint: bus, light rail, carpool, bicycle or some combination thereof. However, each of these options comes with problems as well.

For the public transportation group the logistics and timing of catching a bus or light rail can mean adding extra time or distance onto your commute. The same could be said for carpooling, depending on the location and morning routines of any “carpool buddies.” As for bicycling, this mode of transportation is restricted by the distance you need to travel: too far and it’s just not possible for a morning commute. Fortunately, there is another option out there for the ardent environmentalist.

Electric vehicles. No, not hybrids, but completely electric cars run by batteries. Not only are these cars a way to stay green in a city with one of the worst commutes in the country, but when you buy an electric vehicle you are eligible for a $7,500 tax credit.

Recently, Wired Magazine tested and rated four electric cars currently available to consumers. Following are the stats for those cars.

Chevrolet Volt
Price: starts at $40,280 ($32,780 after tax credit)
Range: 25 – 50 miles
Horsepower: 150
0 – 60 mph: ~ 9 seconds

Nissan Leaf
Price: starts at $33,720 ($26,220 after tax credit)
Range: up to 100 miles
Horsepower: 107
0 – 60 mph: ~ 10 seconds

Tesla Roadster 2.5

Price: starts at $109,000 ($101,500 after tax credit)
Range: up to 245 miles
Horsepower: 288
0 – 60 mph: ~ 3.7 seconds

Coda Automotive Coda
Price: starts at $44,900 ($37,400 after tax credit)
Range: 90 – 120 miles
Horsepower: 134 0 – 60 mph: ~ 10 – 11 seconds
Extra: View the history of the electric car and stats on carbon emissions and oil consumption.