Even when there's no shortage of EVs sold today, we have yet to see such vehicles crowding the streets. 

Perhaps several reasons behind the EV's rarity is that the government is still working to follow the EV Industry Roadmap, or the consumers' uptake on EVs has yet to pick up pace.

So those who want a greener mode of transport but aren't quite ready to shift to full EVs, should take a look at hybrids like the Toyota Prius. 

Like many hybrids, the Prius combines a gasoline engine and electric motor to power the car. In the Toyota's case, a 1.8-liter engine and e-motor, with 132hp and 207Nm of torque combined, take turns in propulsion duties.  

So with the electric motor easing the gasoline engine's work, the Prius nets a claimed fuel economy figure of 23kpl.

Priced at P2.354 million, the Prius is up against another hybrid hatch, and two sedans whose powerplants have other fuel-saving tricks up their sleeves. 

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (P1.548 million)

The Ioniq Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter CVVT engine, which makes 103hp and 147Nm of torque, from its 42kW lithium-ion battery. Its fuel consumption is rated at 24kpl, to which the car's aerodynamic body lent a hand in netting that number, too. 

Mazda 6 2.2L Skyactiv-D Turbo (P2.250 million)

The 6's 2.2-liter diesel mill features Skyactiv-D technology. Skyactiv-D is claimed to attain 20 percent better fuel efficiency, thanks to a low compression ratio of 14.0:1 and a two-stage turbocharger.

As a result, this midsize sedan's claimed economy rating is close to the Prius at 20.6kpl. 

Honda Accord 1.5 Turbo EL (P2.308 million)

Powering the Accord is a 1.5-liter VTEC turbo engine with Honda's Earth Dreams Technology. Basically, the Earth Dreams engine's oily bits are designed to reduce friction, which in turn reduces the amount of cooling needed. 

Less engine cooling makes the engine more fuel efficient. Although its fuel economy rating isn't in the same league as the Prius and 6, the Accord still consumes fuel like a subcompact at 14kpl. 

Photos from Toyota, Mazda, Honda

Also read:

A peek inside the Toyota Prius

Hybrid hatch tussle: Toyota Prius vs. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid