Electric Vehicles Top 2024 GreenerCars Rankings as Prices Drop

 

Electric vehicles dominate the top spots in the latest American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) GreenerCars rankings, showcasing their increasing environmental friendliness and affordability.

Electric Dominates Top Rankings:

All six top-scoring cars for 2024 are electric, with a mix of four fully electric vehicles (EVs) and two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Leading the pack is the Toyota Prius Prime, followed by the Lexus RZ 300e, Mini Cooper SE, Nissan Leaf, Toyota bZ4X, and Toyota RAV4 Prime.

Green Options Becoming More Affordable:

The good news extends beyond just the dominance of electric vehicles. The Greenest List also features three EVs and three gasoline hybrid cars from Hyundai, Toyota, and Kia, demonstrating a wider range of environmentally friendly options. Notably, over half the cars on this list have starting prices under $35,000, reflecting an 18% decrease from 2023. This drop is attributed to factors like increased competition among automakers, improved inventory and supply chains, and lower costs for lithium-ion batteries, a key component in EVs.

ACEEE Emphasizes Affordability:

Peter Huether, a senior transportation research associate at ACEEE, highlights the importance of offering affordable EV options: "The need for affordable EV options to cater to a wider income spectrum is crucial." This statement underscores the ongoing efforts to make environmentally friendly cars accessible to a broader range of consumers.

Explore Greener Choices:

The GreenerCars rankings offer valuable resources for car buyers seeking eco-conscious options. They provide three distinct lists: the Greenest List showcasing the most environmentally friendly models, the Greener Choices List offering a wider selection of less-polluting vehicles, and the Meanest List highlighting the least environmentally friendly cars. This comprehensive approach empowers consumers to make informed decisions based on their priorities and budget.

In conclusion, the 2024 GreenerCars rankings offer encouraging news, with electric vehicles leading the way and greener options becoming increasingly affordable. As prices continue to drop and selection expands, choosing an environmentally friendly car becomes a more realistic possibility for many consumers.

Greenest List

The electric vehicles on the Greenest List had the lowest fueling costs because of their higher efficiency.

"To calculate GreenerCars scores, ACEEE evaluates each model year 2024 car on its cost to human health from air pollution associated with vehicle manufacturing and disposal, the production and distribution of fuel or electricity, and vehicle tailpipe emissions. On that basis, ACEEE assigns a Green Score to more than 1,200 model year 2024 cars, including cars fueled solely by gasoline or diesel, gas-fueled hybrids with electric motors, plug-in hybrids powered by both gas and electricity from the grid, and all-electric vehicles. "

Greener Choices
The 2024 Greener Choices List comprises model year 2024 vehicles that are available nationwide and have among the lowest environmental impacts in their respective vehicle classes but did not make the Greenest List. The Greener Choices List excludes EVs (including PHEVs) because some drivers may not have enough access to EV charging.

Meanest List
The Meanest List of the worst-performing mass-market automobiles is mostly made up of huge, inefficient gas guzzlers, with seven SUVs, three trucks, one sports car, and one sedan. The Mercedes-Benz G63 SUV was the worst-performing vehicle among the more than 1,200 models tested by GreenerCars, with an annual fuel cost of more than $4,000.

For the first time, an electric vehicle has made it onto the Meanest List. The 9,000-pound electrified GMC Hummer ranks ninth on the Meanest List. GM describes the "supertruck" as "extreme" and "loaded with extras." Though EVs emit less than comparably sized gasoline cars, the Hummer indicates that size and efficiency, not just fuel source, play a crucial role in a car's environmental footprint.