FACTBOX: Hybrid and electric vehicle models

(Reuters) - Europe is gearing up for the arrival en masse of electric cars in the coming years, but they won't be the only solution -- hybrid vehicles will also be a weapon in the fight to meet tough emissions reduction targets.

Nissan is due to unveil its first electric car model in Yokohama on August 2.

Below are some key facts about some of the electric and hybrid models available now or due to be launched soon.

TOYOTA PRIUS

* 5 door hatchback/sedan hybrid electric car

* First mass-produced hybrid, introduced in Japan in 1997

* Solar powered ventilation inside car

* Can travel upto 716 miles on one tank of fuel

* 139,174 sold in Europe since 2000 launch

MERCEDES S400

* Hybrid sedan

* Lithium-ion battery

* Top speed of 250km/h

* 3.5-liter V6 engine

HONDA INSIGHT

* First generation launched 1999, second generation 2009

* 5 door, 5 seat hybrid electric vehicle

* Eco mode button helps adjust settings to make most of fuel

CHEVROLET VOLT (GENERAL MOTORS)

* Lithium-ion battery, with petrol range-extending engine

* Launch scheduled for 2010

* 40 mile battery range

MINI E

* 3 door, 2 seat electric car

* Top speed of 95mph

* Range of 150 miles

* Battery can charge in as little as 2.9 hours

* Pilot program in Berlin in 2009

SMART FORTWO ED

* 2 seat battery electric vehicle

* 72 mile range between charges

* Takes about 8 hours for a full charge

* Urban vehicle piloted in the UK

MITSUBISHI IMIEV

* 4-seater electric car

* Can be charged 100V or 200V power source at home

* 160km driving range, top speed of 130km/h

* On sale to fleet customers in Japan

* Priced at $47,580

OPEL AMPERA

* 5-door, four-seat extended range electric car

* Can be plugged into household power outlets

* 60km emission-free battery range, 500km extended range

* Production launch due in 2011

(Compiled by Jasmine Singh; Editing by Helen Massy-Beresford)