It’s snowy and cold in Detroit, but the skies are blue, and inside Cobo Hall the wraps are coming off of a bevy of battery-powered vehicles.  Dubbed “electric avenue,” the show’s environmentally-friendly lineup runs the gamut of compact EVs to hybrid SUVs.  Here, we’re taking a closer look at some of the most interesting, and promising, green vehicle unveilings of the year:

Volkswagen Concept: New Compact Coupe
European automaker VW isn’t settling when it comes to providing a fun, but fuel-efficient, driving experience. Their newest concept, the “New Compact Coupe,” is a smooth-looking cross between the stare-inducing CC and sporty Scirocco (sold in Europe) – mated with a full-hybrid powertrain that will garner 45 mpg.  More details @ vw.com

2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid
Honda’s newest vehicle – the two-passenger 2011 CR-Z Sport Hybrid – made its debut on Monday and is set to go on sale in the U.S. this summer.  Powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine hybrid-electric system, the coupe’s fuel economy is expected to hover near 36 mpg (city driving) and 28 mpg (highway driving).  Drivers will be able to flip between a three-mode system, allowing you to hit the pavement in Sport, Econ, or Normal driving mode.  More details @ honda.com

BMW Concept: ActiveE
BMW’s ActiveE coupe concept (notice a trend here?) looks pretty much like the BMWs on the road today – minus an exhaust pipe. It’s a purely electric, emissions-free vehicle outfitted with a lithium-ion battery pack that will achieve a range of roughly 100 miles in everyday use and fully recharge in less than five hours. Surprise, surprise, it’s a rear-wheel drive ride and in true German character, it’ll go 0-60 in under 4.5 seconds.  More details @ bmwusa.com

2011 Ford Focus Electric
The frugal favorite, Ford’s Focus, gets a splashy makeover for 2011 and also, as announced this week, will be available in an all-electric 2011 model, marking the automaker’s first battery-electric passenger car. With global appeal, sedan and hatchback options, and an array of customization opportunities, we’re thinking that Ford is onto something. Even better than the likely low price (which has yet to be announced), is the fact that it will be built here in the U.S.  More details @ thefordstory.com