Electric Cars: The Greenest Vehicles of 2017

Electric cars have become increasingly popular in recent years. Especially as people look for more environmentally friendly transportation options. With advancements in technology and a growing concern for the environment. For electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as the greenest vehicles on the market. In this article, we will explore the top electric cars of 2017. Moreover, their impact on the environment.

The Rise of Electric Cars

Electric cars are vehicles that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are powered by rechargeable batteries. All which eliminate the need for traditional fuel sources. Finally and reduce harmful emissions. Concerns about climate change and air pollution continue to grow. For electric cars have gained traction. Especially as a more sustainable alternative to conventional vehicles.

The Greenest List of 2017

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) releases an annual list of the greenest vehicles on the market. The list, available on greenercars.org. For it ranks vehicles based on their environmental impact. Thereby taking into account factors such as manufacturing pollution. Also fuel production and tailpipe emissions.

Top Electric Cars

The top two spots on the Greenest List of 2017 are dominated by electric cars. The midsize Hyundai Ioniq Electric claims the first place. That’s with a record-breaking Green Score of 64. This is followed closely by the BMW i3. For its another impressive electric vehicle. Both cars have made significant strides in improving the environmental performance of electric vehicles.  Moreover, setting new standards for the industry.

Hybrid Vehicles

While electric cars dominate the top spots, hybrid vehicles also play a crucial role in reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency. Toyota’s Prius line, known for its hybrid technology, performs exceptionally well on the Greenest List. The lithium-ion Prius Eco variant secures the third spot, while the plug-in Prius Prime and Prius C claim spots eight and nine, respectively. Honda and Kia also have hybrid vehicles on the list, highlighting the continued competitiveness of hybrid technology.

The Growing Presence of Plug-in Electric Vehicles

For the second consecutive year, the Greenest List is entirely populated by plug-in electric vehicles, including all-electric cars and plug-in hybrids. This trend showcases the growing acceptance and viability of electric vehicles. Plug-in electric vehicles have significantly lower emissions compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, making them an attractive option for environmentally conscious consumers.

New Entrants

The 2017 Greenest List welcomes two new additions: the highly anticipated Chevrolet Bolt and the new Honda Accord Hybrid. The Chevrolet Bolt, with its impressive range of over 200 miles, becomes the first electric vehicle in its class to make the Greenest List. With a price tag of $29,995 after federal tax credits, the Bolt opens up the electric vehicle market to a broader range of buyers. The new Honda Accord Hybrid offers class-leading fuel economy and demonstrates the continuous improvement in hybrid technology.

Greener Choices for All Vehicle Types

While electric cars dominate the Greenest List, greenercars.org also provides options for individuals with different vehicle needs. The Greener Choices list features trucks, SUVs, and vans that prioritize fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. The Chevrolet Colorado diesel and Honda CR-V represent the truck and SUV categories, while the Chrysler Pacifica, accompanied by a new plug-in hybrid version, fills the van category. These vehicles offer greener alternatives to their counterparts in their respective classes.

Making Informed Decisions

Greenercars.org aims to help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing a new car. The website provides a wealth of information on vehicles’ environmental performance, fuel economy, and pollution impacts. It also offers a consumer primer on vehicles and the environment, guiding buyers through the process of purchasing a green car or truck.

The Environmental Impact

The Green Score assigned to each vehicle on the list takes into account various factors that contribute to its environmental impact. This includes emissions from vehicle manufacturing, fuel production, and tailpipe emissions. The methodology used to calculate the Green Score has been updated to reflect changes in gasoline sulfur content and electricity emissions factors. Thereby ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.

The Meanest List

Greenercars.org also presents the Meanest List, which showcases vehicles that have the least positive impact on the environment. This list typically includes large SUVs, heavier medium-duty vehicles, and European luxury cars. By highlighting the least environmentally friendly vehicles, the Meanest List serves as a reminder of the importance of choosing greener transportation options.

The Future of Electric Cars

The dominance of electric cars on the Greenest List reflects the industry’s commitment to sustainability and the increasing availability of electric vehicle options. As technology continues to advance and battery costs decrease, electric cars are expected to become even more accessible and affordable. Additionally, the expansion of charging infrastructure will alleviate range anxiety and make electric vehicles a viable option for more people.

Additional Information: Making an Environmentally Smart Decision

“Anyone buying a new car now has plenty of options for making an environmentally smart decision,” said Eric Junga, Transportation Research Analyst at ACEEE. “Whether you are looking to purchase the greenest car available, or the greenest vehicle for your needs such as a minivan, or simply stay away from the bottom of the list, greenercars.org can help you.” Greenercars.org serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to make greener choices when it comes to their vehicle purchases.

Conclusion

Electric cars have emerged as the greenest vehicles of 2017, with the Hyundai Ioniq Electric and BMW i3 leading the way. Hybrid vehicles also play a significant role in reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency. The Greenest List showcases the environmental progress the automotive industry has made, with plug-in electric vehicles becoming increasingly dominant. Greenercars.org provides valuable information for consumers to make informed decisions and choose greener transportation options. As technology continues to advance, electric cars are set to revolutionize the automotive industry and pave the way for a more sustainable future.