Posted on 09/17/2024 8:35:59 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
If Mother Nature could talk, she’d probably ask if that gas guzzling Hummer is really necessary. Many car manufacturers would likely agree. However, even with a noted shift toward fully electric vehicle production in recent years, you may be surprised to learn that the most environmentally friendly car available isn’t fully electric at all — and that it’s based on a model that debuted in the late 1990s. If you’re one of the many prospective car owners hoping to lessen your carbon footprint without sacrificing safety or quality, then this may be the best vehicle for you.
According to a report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the greenest car available today is the Toyota Prius Prime SE. 2024 marks the third time this model has topped the list, having previously done so in both 2020 and 2022. This plug-in hybrid vehicle achieved a “Green Score” of 71, considering factors such as fuel economy, vehicular emissions, pollution generated from the manufacturing process, and other elements that contribute to general air pollution. This means that the Toyota Prius Prime SE is about 1.65 times more efficient than the average car on the road, and over four times better than the worst.
The 2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE runs on a combination of electricity and gasoline, and can travel for 44 miles on an electric charge before switching over to hybrid mode. According to the official rankings, the car generates 55 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway, which is hard for any other model to top. In terms of price, you’re looking at an MSRP of $32,975, placing it firmly between budget and luxury car models; however, the estimated annual $529 energy cost for gas and electricity is hard to beat.
For those looking to forego gasoline entirely and go fully electric, there are two equally good options to select from.
The first is the Lexus RZ 300e with 18-inch wheels, which achieved an impressive Green Score of 67. Like other Lexus models, this is definitely considered a luxury vehicle with a hefty MSRP of $55,150, though you’ll only be paying around $651 in energy costs each year.
The Mini Cooper SE featuring a hardtop and two doors also netted a Green Score of 67, tying it with the Lexus. The biggest benefit for this model is definitely its affordability, coming in at an MSRP of $30,900 and annual costs of $747.
The most energy-efficient vehicle without any electric capabilities is the regular Toyota Prius, which boasts an astonishing 58 mpg in both the city and on the highway. These basic Prius models have a Green Score of 65, and start at just $27,650 MSRP.
For a similar car from a different company, try the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue, another fantastic gas hybrid option with a Green Score of 64. This Hyundai model is also slightly cheaper with an MSRP of $26,250 and an annual fuel cost of roughly $864.
The greenest automobile must be taxpayer-funded large black SUVs with V-8 engines since the government uses them for bureaucrats, including the Secretary of Transportation.
Can’t stand Pious drivers...
Ev batteries are not environmentally friendly period.
EVs are about saving the planet the same way CoupFlu vaxxes are about protecting public health.
What many of us have known for years- a plug in hybrid (Prius Prime as an example) is the smart answer.
We love our 2015 Ford Fusion Energi. Not a good seller but a great investment.
I haven’t bought a new car in quite a while and so those sticker prices made my eyes pop out.
The Flintstones car is the most environmentally friendly.
I ALMOST bought the Ioniq. The first time I went to buy it the a**h**e salesperson caused me to walk out. I went to a different dealership and was about to buy it but just couldn’t get over the dual clutch transmission - I previously had a Focus and the DCT failed on me about 6 times.
So I went with a Jetta and I still routinely get over 50 mpg highway, and have even reached over 60 on individual trips if conditions are just perfect. Ironically the Jetta had a transmission class action suit (rattling noise on certain shifts aside it hasn’t caused me any actual problems).
Congrats. VW makes clean lined-nice looking-performing cars. price puts me off.
DCT troubles are minimum...i get a lag kicking up to the next gear while driving @ about 42 mph.
Every damn time it is a Prius driver slowing down the fast lane on the interstate when I have to drive through California. Every damned time. And of course the obligatory democrat party bumper sticker.
The Diesel passat I had in Germany was fantastic. Fast, and got near 50MPG even at German speeds. Piss poor quality on every else but that engine was great. Can’t buy them in the USA.
Dream car... Diesel Toyota Hilux, BUT... Our bureaucratic betters don’t let those in the USA either.
"...A 2004 analysis by Toyota found that as much as 28 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions generated during the lifecycle of a typical gasoline-powered car can occur during its manufacture and its transportation to the dealer; the remaining emissions occur during driving once its new owner takes possession...."
Can any Hundai owner help me with a fob issue
2011 Sonata
fob battery change and wont work
red light blinks but car ignores
Make sure plus side is down. Lotta bad advice about + side up.
can you do an emergency start ?
i assume you tried all the other options
https://www.700r4transmissionhq.com/hyundai-sonata-key-fob-not-working-5-common-causes/
there is a video about “resetting” the FOB.
good luck...
DCT troubles are minimum...i get a lag kicking up to the next gear while driving @ about 42 mph.
Good to hear. I bought my Focus CPO and a few months later my transmission died on the parkway. There were times I was stuck in a parking lot or driveway because I couldn’t reverse. It failed completely probably 5 or so times and they had to replace the clutches. Always refused to replace the whole transmission, only would replace the clutches. Then 8 months or so later I was back at the dealership with a failed transmission again.
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