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.
There was a class action lawsuit
ahhhh...thanx.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.