Does the market have more eco-aware vehicles? Although we like biking, walking, or using public transport when possible, most people require cars for work, especially in rural cities. Thanks to specific car manufacturers that have started to prioritize the environmental effect of fuel emissions, like the long-term footprint of car creation.
Many vehicles are making an effort to be more green cars, but, some are with MPGe, safety, and advanced technology in mind, here are top electric picks with more sustainable drive.
The Dorsons latest Electric Vehicles Report found that 60% of people have considered buying a hybrid or electric vehicle before. If you want to buy a new car and are interested in exploring a greener or more eco-friendly alternative, we’ve compiled a list of the most greener or eco-friendly cars.
Environmentally Friendly Car?
The most environmentally friendly car has factors that include features of the car’s fuel efficiency, emissions, materials used in production, and its overall life cycle, from manufacture to disposal. An eco-friendly or green car has less pollution vehicle and runs more efficiently than regular vehicles.
Different Types of Eco-Friendly Vehicles
Here are so many options to choose from, it’s helpful to know more about the different fuels before you consider purchasing one. You can learn more about the different alternative power sources for Eco-friendly vehicles below.
- Electric vehicles (EVs): Electric motors in EVs are powered by internal combustion engines, which are recharged by charging the battery. The battery can be charged with a regular 120-volt outlet, but it will charge more quickly using a 240-volt outlet meant for a washer and dryer.
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs): Plug-in hybrid electric cars, or PHEVs, are powered by an internal combustion engine in addition to a battery. The vehicle can be charged for gasoline using the internal combustion engine, regenerative braking, or a standard 120-volt outlet.
- Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs): Fuel cell vehicles, or FCVs for short, are an electric vehicle class that run on an electric motor. However, hydrogen fuel cells are used by FCVs to generate energy rather than a wall outlet. As a fuel source, hydrogen can produce no emissions and can be sourced from renewable materials such as water and biomass.
- Natural gas vehicles (NGVs): The fuel for NGVs is either liquified or compressed natural gas. Heavy-duty dual-fuel NGVs run on both natural gas and diesel, whereas dedicated NGVs run only on natural gas. Bi-fuel NGVs run on a combination of gasoline and natural gas.
- Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs): Flexible fuel vehicles, or FFVs for short, run on gasoline or E85, a combination of gasoline and ethanol, in their internal combustion engine. As implied by the name, e85 often contains up to 85% ethanol. Since ethanol is produced from renewable biomasses like corn and wood, this flexible fuel is more environmentally beneficial.
- Gasoline hybrid: A hybrid vehicle combines an electric motor and an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline. This combination produces less pollution and a better economy than standard gasoline-powered vehicles.
Best Eco-Friendly Cars
GreenerCar ratings, fuel economy, and the car’s drivetrain—the system that propels the vehicle—are all taken into consideration in this list of eco-friendly cars.
1. Toyota Prius Prime
The Toyota Prius Prime is one of the best-selling hybrids and the most eco-friendly car. This green vehicle features a lightweight lithium-ion battery that helps it maximize mileage, gets a driving range of 640 miles, and is perfect for daily commuters and road trippers alike.
Key Features:
- Powertrain: Plug-in hybrid
- Fuel economy: 54 combined MPG
- GreenerCar score: 69/100
2. Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
The Hyundai Ioniq PHEV gives you the option of a combined driving range of 620 miles to use gas or electricity wherever you go. It is the best option to drive in all-electric mode and features perks for you and the environment.
Key Features:
- Powertrain: Plug-in hybrid
- Fuel economy: 52 combined MPG
- GreenerCar score: 68/100
3. Mini Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door
Mini Cooper SE Hardtop is fully electrified with 2 Door and it offers a driving range of 114 miles on a full charge with major savings on fuel costs.
Key Features:
- Powertrain: Electric vehicle
- Fuel economy: 110 combined MPGe
- GreenerCar score: 67/100
4. Nissan LEAF
Nissan LEAF an all-electric vehicle features a 40-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a 110-kilowatt electric motor. The Nissan LEAF makes the switch to electric vehicles more feasible for the general public, as it is among the most reasonably priced EVs available.
Key Features:
- Powertrain: Electric vehicle
- Fuel economy: 111 combined MPGe
- GreenerCar score: 67/100
5. Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
During five years, owners of the award-winning crossover SUV Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid are expected to save about $5,000 on gasoline. As if the fuel savings weren’t enough, you can easily skip pit stops thanks to this PHEV’s 560-mile driving range.
Key Features:
- Powertrain: Plug-in hybrid
- Fuel economy: 46 combined MPG
- GreenerCar score: 65/100
6. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue a gasoline hybrid with a similar fuel economy to the best-ranking eco-friendly vehicle, with excellent fuel efficiency makes it the highest place on this list of green cars.
Key Features:
- Powertrain: Gasoline hybrid
- Fuel economy: 56 combined MPG
- GreenerCar score: 65/100
7. Mazda MX-30
The MX-30, Mazda’s first-ever electric vehicle boasts new e-Skyactiv X technology, with a quick charge and an eight-year warranty for its lithium-ion battery. The best part is that it can cover an estimated 100 miles on a single charge.
Key Features:
- Powertrain: Electric vehicle
- Fuel economy: 92 combined MPGe
- GreenerCar score: 65/100
8. Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Toyota Corolla Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient version of the Corolla, and it uses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. This tech has a hybrid battery and lighter materials for optimal performance and efficiency.
Key Features:
- Powertrain: Gasoline hybrid
- Fuel economy: 50 combined MPG
- GreenerCar score: 64/100
9. Honda Insight
The Honda Insight with its hybrid powertrain and aerodynamic design, allows you to travel more and stop at the gas station less frequently.
Key Features:
- Powertrain: Gasoline hybrid
- Fuel economy: 52 combined MPG
- GreenerCar score: 64/100
10. Toyota Camry Hybrid LE
Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, the Camry Hybrid LE connects a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to provide excellent performance and fuel efficiency.
Key Features:
- Powertrain: Gasoline hybrid
- Fuel economy: 52 combined MPG
- GreenerCar score: 63/100
How We Can Choose An Environmentally Friendly Car?
You can choose an environmentally friendly car is about more than just choosing an electric vehicle. Many factors play an important role in the overall impact the car has on the environment. Here are some key points:
Evaluate The Car’s Lifecycle
You should consider more factors than just a car’s operating emissions while selecting an environmentally friendly one. Think about the lifecycle emissions of the car, which comprise the energy consumed for production and disposal in addition to the emissions generated while it is in use.
Recognize The Source of Power
An electric vehicle’s environmental impact is greatly influenced by the source of its electricity. Choose alternative energy sources like solar or wind power if at all possible.
Examine Fuel Efficiency
Choosing a car with a high fuel efficiency level can still have an impact, even if you’re not ready to convert to an electric automobile. An automobile uses less fuel and emits fewer emissions when its miles per gallon (MPG) is higher.
Verify Vehicle’s Emission Standards
Pollutants produced by cars that adhere to stringent emission regulations are reduced. Look for cars that either meet or surpass the most recent government-mandated emission limits.
Consider How Long The Car Will Last
Longer-lasting cars have a smaller environmental impact than newly manufactured ones. Select a car with a good track record for durability, then take good care of it to make it last longer.
Think About How Simple Maintenance
Easy-to-maintain cars typically have longer lifespans and higher performance levels, which both lessen their overall environmental effect. Examine the vehicle’s maintenance history and select a model known for its dependability and simplicity of maintenance.
There Are Many Benefits of Owning An Eco-friendly Car
- Eco-friendly cars are less expensive.
- Greener cars produce less pollution.
- There is a chance for a tax break.
- It costs less to maintain.
- To encourage drivers to drive more sustainably, several insurance give rebates.
FAQs:
What is the most environmentally friendly car?
The most environmentally friendly car has factors that include features of the car’s fuel efficiency, emissions, materials used in production, and its overall life cycle, from manufacture to disposal. An eco-friendly or green car has less pollution vehicle and runs more efficiently than regular vehicles.
Which car has the lowest carbon footprint?
The car with the lowest carbon footprint is the Nissan Leaf. As a market leader in electric vehicles, the Leaf has always prioritized reducing its environmental impact throughout the vehicle’s lifetime. It has achieved this prestigious position thanks to a combination of its zero tailpipe emissions, effective production methods, and end-of-life recyclability.
The Conclusion:
The Toyota Prius Prime, Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid,
Mini Cooper SE, supported by BMW’s engineering skills, Hardtop 2 Door, Nissan LEAF, and Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid combining modern technology with the allure of 1960s Minis, proves that eco-friendly design can be associated with fun, style, and affordability.
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