Hybrids have been popular gas-sipping choices for several years, but it's taken until this year for momentum to really gather behind plug-in hybrids.

Using mostly familiar hybrid technology, but with larger batteries that can be charged separately as well as during driving, many consider plug-in hybrids the ideal middle step between hybrid vehicles and full battery electric cars.

With some already on sale and others due in the next year, we've compiled a guide on all the plug-in hybrids — and range-extended electric vehicles — you need to know about.

And happily for drivers in California, all of the cars below will have free access to California's HOV lanes.