Eco-minded car buyers have a lot to choose from on the lots in 2011. Whether you’re looking for an electric ride, a compact diesel, or a hybrid hauler, automakers are churning out alternative-fuel vehicles at a rapid rate, and just in time, as gas prices escalate to a current average of $3.05 per gallon. Yikes!

There’s only one downfall. Many of the federal tax credits touted in 2010 expired when the clock hit midnight on December 31st, leaving loads of car shoppers out in the cold… in fact, the 2010 list of tax credits applied toward a whopping 32 cars. Today, only three options remain. Can you guess which vehicles are included? The 2011 Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and 2010 Tesla Roadster are all privy to a $7,500 tax credit, according to car site Edmunds. But you can also check out your state’s initiatives by visiting the U.S. Dept. of Energy website.

If you’re stumped by the large selection of offerings, take a peek at this green car buyer’s guide, which I think provides a great at-a-glance overview of what’s available right now. But really, online research will never beat a face-to-face conversation. Next time you see a Volt or Leaf roll into the next parking spot, stop and ask the driver for their take. Odds are, they’re dying to dish on the latest technology highlights and flaws.