(FORTUNE Small Business) – To some, it may seem ironic that electric cars are finally coming to market just as electricity prices are soaring. But today's hybrids aren't like those experimental plug-in vehicles that had to be recharged after nearly every errand. Carmakers have cut the cords off previous designs and are now building gas and electric hybrid vehicles with high-tech self-charging systems and fuel-saving features. Some can get as much as 70 miles to the gallon while spewing just half the emissions of conventional, gas-powered cars.

In most of the country, spotting a hybrid may still be a rarity. But it won't be for long. State and federal governments are forcing manufacturers to build cleaner-running, more fuel-efficient cars.

For now, the only hybrids available are the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight. As a devout driver of fast and environmentally unfriendly, gas-guzzling sports cars, I wasn't so sure that I'd have much fun tooling around in machines designed more for economy than for fun. But in both cases I was pleasantly surprised.

Toyota Prius: At first glance, this four-door sedan looks like an Echo or a bare-bones Corolla. But underneath its hood sit two motors. Wedged between its gasoline engine and continuously variable transmission is an electric motor. Depending on driving conditions, the Prius will run on either or both of its engines to maximize fuel economy, which can reach 52 miles per gallon in the city or 45 on the highway. How? When the car is coasting or its brakes are applied, the engine turns into a generator, capturing otherwise wasted energy and partially recharging the nickel-metal hydride batteries. Sounds cool, but stopping the Prius requires a light touch on its very sensitive brakes, which engage more quickly because of the car's power management system.

The $20,450 Prius comes in only one well-appointed version. Its standard equipment includes a keyless entry system, automatic climate control, power windows and doors, heated power mirrors, and ABS brakes. There's also a nifty dash-mounted touch-screen display that illustrates the energy flow of the hybrid drive system. Such amenities surprised me--as did the amount of interior room, enough to fit five adults comfortably. Hint: If you're an SUV type with a green heart, watch out for a hybrid version of Toyota's RAV4. It should be available next year.

Honda Insight: With its pocket-rocket looks, the $20,577 Honda Insight attracted more than a half-dozen double takes and kudos during my weeklong test drive. Unfortunately, the car looks faster than it actually is. Equipped with a three-cylinder gas-powered engine that's assisted by a 13-horsepower electric motor, it just isn't designed for speed. But it is built to keep going and going, boasting an impressive 61 miles per gallon in the city and 70 mpg on the highway. Of course, your numbers may vary. I eked out a very respectable 48.1 mpg.

With its miserly motor, the Insight will easily cruise along for about 600 to 700 miles on a tank of gas. But you may not want to be in it for that long. While its two bucket seats are comfortable, there's not much room for more than two people. Instead of a back seat, there's a smoothly carpeted cargo area--with no compartments or cargo nets, so my bags kept sliding around at every turn. I'd wait for a four-door Civic-like version, which may be available next year.