Electric vehicles (EVs) have been on the market for a few years now, but these cars tend to cost more than gas-powered models due to their expensive batteries. However, a recent study by McKinsey and Co. found the cost of manufacturing these lithium-ion batteries could drop as much as 70 percent by 2025. This will drive down overall production costs, which could make it cheaper for automakers to build EVs and pass on the savings to consumers.  This, coupled with stricter fuel economy regulations, may result in a bigger push for more EVs on the road, according to Reuters.

Currently, the price of a lithium-ion battery pack is between $500 and $600 per kilowatt-hour, but the U.S. Department of Energy requires manufacturers to reduce the price to $300 by 2014. Reuters reports the Ford Focus Electric's 23-kilowatt-hour battery currently costs between $12,000 and $15,000 to build, but if the price reduction works, this expense will decline as well.

"Regulation around the world, not just in one region, is getting increasingly stringent," Russell Hensley, a McKinsey consultant, told the news source. "If you want to play in the automotive markets around the world, you actually need vehicles that are emitting less carbon."

While the pending price drop will likely lead to more affordable alternative energy vehicles, those in the market for a car today can head to NJ State Auto Auction to check out the variety of used makes and models available. Whether drivers are looking for an alternative fuel option or just want something with a decent fuel economy, NJ Auto will have something to fit their needs.

Performance cars encompass everything from luxury vehicles and sports cars to upper level trims of everyday drivers. While some motorists prefer a vehicle that gets them from A to B, others want one that is fun and exhilarating to drive. There are so many different options when it comes to performance, the choice can be a hard one to make for a driving enthusiast looking to buy a car. TotalCarScore recently compiled a list of the top 10 picks from 2012 based on the website's vehicle scores that encompass ratings by leading industry authorities.

"High-performance cars still matter," said Karl Braur, CEO of TotalCarScore. "Performance models sell in relatively low volumes, so automakers can justify the boost they provide against the small hit they cause to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy statistics. There's also a technology play here. Performance cars are often on the leading edge of vehicle research and development work, and this work benefits the entire model line."

The top ranked performance vehicles were the Infiniti IPL G Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and the Cadillac CTS-V. The Ford Taurus SHO, with an EcoBoost V6 engine and excellent handling came in fourth and the Chrysler 300 SRT8 took the fifth spot thanks to a 470-horsepower Hemi V8 under the hood.

Every trim level above the standard option results in a price hike, which can make purchasing a new performance vehicle an expensive decision. Drivers shopping with a more modest budget who still want bang for their buck can head to New Jersey State Auto. The dealer carries a variety of models with all sorts of fun and sporty features. Many experts recommend purchasing a used car loaded with features is a far less expensive venture than adding all the amenities and upgrades to a new vehicle.

Carpooling is a great way to save on gas, reduce wear and tear on your car and share the responsibility of driving to work or dropping kids off at school with friends, coworkers and neighbors. However, it is a fairly uncommon practice on American roadways. It may be difficult to find a group of people who have a similar work schedule or destination among the people you know, but there are apps available that can help connect drivers with similar itineraries to make carpooling a more viable option. The New York Times reports ride-sharing has been around for years, but is finally gaining popularity in the States.

"It's been a tough sell in the U.S. for a long time," David Burwell, director of energy and climate program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told the news source. "A lot is due to not only the fact that people have different places they want to go, but also safety and other concerns about going into cars with strangers."

As people become more immersed in the internet, digital media and connecting with others online, the prospect of finding a carpooling group online is not as taboo as it may have been in years past. It offers many advantages, including being environmentally friendly. Fewer cars on the road reduces emissions – and congestion. Drivers can go online to find carpooling groups, which will mean they get to leave their vehicles at home at least once a week if not more.

While driving less can reduce the amount of wear on your car, it is still important to get regular maintenance, especially if you are responsible for getting your carpool group to work. The experts at NJ State Auto's Total Car Care Center can keep your vehicle running well by performing basic tuneups and addressing necessary repairs. Plus, if you're already carpooling, you won't have to worry about finding a ride to work while your car is in the shop.

The average cost of used vehicles has started to decline modestly, but luxury cars and SUVs are not seeing the same benefits of the improving economy as other styles. A recent report by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) found the inventory of pre-owned luxury vehicle will be 13 percent lower in 2012 compared to last year. The decrease in supply will result in a 1.9 percent price increase across all luxury brands.

"The falling used supply will raise used-vehicle luxury prices again this year, but overall appreciation will be mild by recent standards," said NADA senior analyst Jonathan Banks. "Used-vehicle prices have risen over the past couple years because of economic conditions that lowered supply and increased demand."

Different brands will likely experience varied levels of price increases. NADA predicts the cost of used Audis will jump 3.3 percent, Acura will see a 4.8 percent rise in price, Lincoln will increase 2.6 percent and the average price of a used Lexus will be up 1.6 percent over 2011. Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz will have more modest increases for used vehicles of 0.5 and 0.7 percent, respectively. Conversely, Volvo and BMW are expected to see declines in the average cost of used models of 3.1 and 0.2 percent.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a used luxury vehicle might want to consider checking out Volvo models to find the best deal. The Swedish automaker has a reputation for safety and reliability backed by high crash test ratings by the National Highway Traffic Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for most of its lineup.

Those shopping for used luxury models can head to NJ Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide variety of makes and models, and due to a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corporation, everyone is approved for financing regardless of credit history.

While most Top 10 lists for cars encompass foreign and domestic models, TotalCarScore puts emphasis on American-made vehicles each summer with its 10 Best American Cars of the year list based on its scores. This year the Cadillac CTS luxury sedan was ranked the best domestic vehicle of 2012 with a Total Car Score of 86.49. The company computes scores for each vehicle based on rankings and other information provided by up to nine leading industry experts.

After the CTS, the Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Traverse were next in line with scores of 85.01 and 84.87, respectively. The LaCrosse was ranked highly due to a youthful redesign, a smooth ride and a powerful engine. The Traverse is noteworthy for its comfortable three-row seating and smooth ride. The Ford Flex (84.44) and GMC Acadia (84.18) rounded out the top five. Other vehicles that ranked highly included the Cadillac CTS-V, Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, Cadillac SRX and Chrysler 300 SRT-8.

"It's worth noting that while no compact domestic models made the list, Ford's 2012 Focus was less than half a point behind the 300 SRT8," said Karl Braur, CEO and editor-in-chief of TotalCarScore. "With a growing emphasis on small cars and high fuel efficiency, it's likely we'll see a domestic economy car in next year's Top 10 Best American Cars list."

No matter what vehicle you're looking for, New Jersey State Auto Auction is sure to have the perfect ride to fit your need. The dealer carries a wide variety of makes and models that are all CARFAX certified, so you know you'll be driving away in a reliable vehicle.

Every year, Kelley Blue Book's website kbb.com releases a list of its picks for the Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 to serve as a guide for car shoppers. This year, the list included the boxy and fun Kia Soul hatchback. The editors at kbb.com look for vehicles that are fun to drive and own while still being affordable, so it makes sense the Soul was on the list.

"Our intention with Soul was to design a vehicle that is both fun and economical, and its recognition by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com as a 'cool' vehicle is further indication that we hit the mark," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications for Kia Motors America. "Everything about Soul, from the viral sensation 'Share Some Soul' campaign featuring LMFAO's hit single 'Party Rock Anthem,' to performance improvements and a strong list of standard technology and safety features, has contributed to its appeal among young buyers and those who are young at heart."

The Soul also has an impressive fuel economy that makes it even more appealing to drivers shopping on a budget. The entry level model gets an estimated highway mileage of 35 miles per gallon and 27 mpg in the city. It's also got a decent amount of power under the hood, with a 1.6-liter GDI engine that gets 138 horsepower.

Drivers who like the Soul but want to purchase a used car can find older models at New Jersey Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide variety of makes and models, so car shoppers will be sure to find the perfect ride to suit their needs whether they opt for a pre-owned Soul or another "cool" car.

Kia recently revealed details for the 2014 Kia Sorento and the new design is quite a change from previous models. The new SUV features a redesigned front fascia, eye-catching 19-inch alloy wheels and exterior LED lights among many other upgrades and changes to improve the popular vehicle.

"Since its introduction in 2009, the second-generation Kia Sorento has achieved more than 620,000 sales around the world. Today it is manufactured in Korea and the U.S., attracting over 130,000 U.S. customers last year to rank as the best-selling Kia model in the States for the second year in a row," said Thomas Oh, Kia's executive vice president and COO of the International Business Division. "We have given very careful attention to owners' feedback, and the upgraded Sorento is not just a cosmetic exercise but a major step forward for our popular SUV."

The new model will include a seven-inch display screen on the dash, a wider variety of body paint colors to choose from, and the option of a five- or seven-seat arrangement. Previous models are also available with five or seven seats, so drivers can find a car just right for their needs.

Those looking to get behind the wheel of used cars in New Jersey like an older model Kia Sorento can head to NJ Auto Auction. With dozens of makes and models to choose from, drivers are sure to find the vehicle they're looking for at an affordable price. Plus, every car on the lot has been CARFAX certified, so car shoppers know they'll be driving away in a reliable ride.

Hyundai recently released details of the new 2013 Accent, which is due to hit dealerships this year. Along with a slew of new standard features, the Accent is expected to have an improved fuel economy. The 2013 version is set to get 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 mpg in the city regardless of whether it is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission.

Some of the upgrades that will come standard with the new model in all trim levels include heated side mirrors, remote keyless entry and air conditioning. The Accent SE will have turn signal indicators on the side mirrors in addition to the heating feature that is great for frosty fall and winter mornings. While the new subcompact sedan is getting a lot of standard feature upgrades, these do come at a price. The 2013 Hyundai Accent will have a starting price of $14,545 for the entry level model, which is a $2,000 increase over the 2012 model year vehicle.

Those looking to purchase used cars in New Jersey may want to consider Hyundai Accents from model years 2006 through 2012. Kelley Blue Book suggests the price for a 2006 Accent in excellent condition to be around $8,000 at a dealership. This is the first year the Accent really began to be noticed as a respectable small car and it has a decent mileage of 32 mpg on the highway, 27 in the city, according to Edmunds. A 2012 model runs about $16,200 in excellent condition and offers a comparable fuel economy to the 2013 vehicle.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a used Hyundai Accent or any other small, fuel efficient vehicle can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a variety of makes and models.

Even as gas prices are starting to drop, fuel efficiency is still at the front of many drivers' minds. Automakers have been introducing more alternative energy vehicles to their lineups, from hybrid cars that run on gas and electricity and fuel-cell vehicles to hydrogen-powered cars and those that run on electricity alone.

As technology advances, these alternative options are offering more value to their drivers. The 2013 Honda Fit EV was recently tested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the result was the highest fuel efficiency rating to date – 118 MPGe (equivalent miles per gallon). Not only that but the combined driving range in the city and on the highway was found to be 82 miles for the Fit EV, which is higher than the Nissan Leaf (73 miles), the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (62 miles) and the Ford Focus Electric (76 miles).

"Just as important as the industry-leading fuel-efficiency and fast recharging time, as a Honda, the 2013 Fit EV will be an absolute kick to drive," said Steve Center, vice president of the American Honda Environmental Business Development Office.

The Fit EV has an impressive amount of power for an electric car, with 189 lb-ft. of torque and a 123-horsepower motor, and drivers can choose between three different drive systems. The model is expected to be in showrooms across the nation by 2013, for a starting MSRP of $36,625.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of more affordable, but still fuel efficient, used cars in New Jersey can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer offers a wide selection of vehicles, so motorists are sure to find a suitable ride.

Most drivers are enthusiastic about advancements in automotive technology that can be used to improve vehicular safety. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released the results of six pilot programs that were conducted across the country. These driver clinics, which are the first portion of the Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot Program, gave 688 drivers the chance to test out vehicle-to-vehicle technology. The majority (82 percent) said they wanted the technology in their own vehicles, and a whopping 90 percent believed introducing vehicle communication technology to cars would greatly improve road safety.

"Safety is our top priority, and we are always looking for ways that innovative technology can be harnessed to improve driver safety," said NHTSA's secretary of transportation Ray LaHood. "Connected vehicle technology offers tremendous promise – for improving safety, reducing traffic jams and increasing fuel efficiency. It's encouraging to see that most drivers agree and want this technology in their cars"

The next phase of the ongoing study will take place in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where roughly 3,000 cars and light trucks equipped with the connectivity technology will be driven for one year. These cars, much like those used in the pilot programs, will be able to alert drivers when there are potential oncoming collisions, when cars stop short in front of them and even when it is not safe to pass on the highway. The technology may still be in the research stages, but many vehicles are equipped with similar safety aids, such as blind-spot warnings and lane departure alerts.

Drivers who want to purchase used cars in New Jersey aren't entirely out of the loop when it comes to the latest safety technology as many devices are available as aftermarket additions. Plus, the cars at New Jersey State Auto Auction are all CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be starting out with safe, reliable rides.