Electric cars have taken a beating in recent times for a variety of reasons, including their high prices, battery life in cold weather conditions, and the unfortunate state of public charging. But there’s no doubt that electrified cars with 0 exhaust emissions are more environmentally friendly than even the most effective gasoline models.
It’s no surprise, then, that all-electric (EV), partially hybrid-electric (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars dominate this year’s “greenest list” compiled through the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Seven of the 12 cleanest cars by 2024 are fully electric, up from five last year and 3 models in 2020. And those who complain that it’s too expensive to drive an eco-friendly vehicle point out that seven out of twelve cars are fully electric. . A dozen cars on 2024’s greenest list start at less than $35,000.
“It’s vital that automakers continue to expand the affordable features of EVs so that the benefits of EVs are available to drivers with greater income diversity as we move away from gasoline-powered cars,” says Peter Huether, ACEEE’s senior transportation research associate. For drivers whose desires are not met through the existing charging infrastructure, there are many effective and affordable hybrid features available. “
Unfortunately, none of the electric and plug-in cars on the list of the greenest for 2024 are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 that is given differently to eligible buyers of models that meet strict national standards and parts/battery sources. Requirements.
On the bright side, at least as far as consumers are concerned, average costs for all-electric models are reported to have fallen 18% last year as a reaction to supply and demand issues, and helped through recent supply chain innovations and declining battery costs. .
On top of that, automakers have increased incentives for EVs in recent months to help move the metal, with some subject to five-figure rebates or 0% financing. In addition, several automakers are exploiting a loophole in tax credit regulations that allows them to pass on the total $7,500 their cars would not otherwise qualify for to consumers through their leasing programs.
Each of the 1,200 customer cars assessed through the ACEEE is assigned an overall green score that can be used to compare relative respect for the environment – or hostile nature, as the case may be – from one style to another. These are expressed on a 100-point scale, with higher numbers being preferred. The best-performing 2024 style in this regard is the Toyota Prius Prime, with a green score of 71. Below, we count down the 12 maximum eco-friendly styles, taking into account their initial costs. and green scores for 2024.
CAEEE ratings are not based solely on a vehicle’s fuel output and its emissions estimates (fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, etc. ) reported to the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board. In addition, ACEEE ratings are based on the environmental effect of a given model.
This includes disposal during manufacturing, a model’s energy source, manufacturing-related emissions, and the effect of disposal and recycling. Plug-in cars also take into account emissions related to electric power generation, which in the real world can vary depending on local energy sources, with renewables being the cleanest.
But since not everyone needs or necessarily should own an electric car, CAEEE’s online page identifies potential “greener” gasoline and hybrid options on its online page GreenerCars. org. For 2024, those opportunities come with the Mitsubishi Mirage gasoline subcompact. Mini Cooper Convertible, Kia Soul, BMW Z4 and Ford Ranger pickup truck.
And where there are winners, there will have to be losers, and to this end, the ACEEE also compiles an annual list of the “baddest cars” in environmental matters, which for 2024 is headed by the prominent Mercedes-Benz AMG. G63 SUV, notoriously giant and boxy, with an insignificant green. Score of only 20 out of 100. We provided this year’s dirty dozen in a separate article.
The 12 Greenest Cars for 2024
Source: ACEEE; The full report can be found here.