When it comes to eco-friendly cars, there are now more options than ever. The good thing is that many of the vehicles are affordable. So, how do you pick the right one for you? The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) made a list. This list consists of the top 12 greenest cars available at dealerships in 2024.
Eco-friendly Cars: Assessment
The ACEEE assessed these vehicles not only for how much energy they use or which can save you money on gas. They also evaluated them based on their emissions.
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They assessed the pollution that occurs when making them and what happens when they’re thrown away or recycled, as Forbes explains. For electric vehicles, they also considered emissions from producing the electricity they use. If you want to drive greener and cleaner in 2024, check out these top-rated models.
Eco-friendly Cars: Surprising News
Surprisingly, Tesla didn’t make the list. Even more surprising, the top car wasn’t an electric vehicle. It is the Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid.
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There is another shocking news for people who think fuel-efficient cars are more expensive. All the vehicles except one on the list cost less than $44,000, and four of them are under $29,000.
An Eco-friendly and Luxurious Car
The odd one out on this list is the Lexus RZ 300e EV, which starts at $55,150. Lexus is a luxury brand that comes with high-end technology, comfort, and style. It is the premium technology that comes with a luxury brand.
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Remember that some cars on the list, like non-plug-in hybrids, might not get the full federal EV tax credit. Also, not every buyer will qualify for the tax credit based on their income, as GOBankingRates mentioned before.
Toyota Prius Prime PHEV: $32,975
The Toyota Prius has been known for years as the perfect car for saving on gas. It is also ideal for commuting.
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However, the new Prius Prime has been redesigned. It now has a stylish look that will catch everyone’s eye on the road. It’s also a plug-in hybrid, which means even more savings on fuel.
Lexus RZ 300e EV: $55,150
The Lexus RZ 300e EV is the most expensive car on the list. It costs $55,150. It is an alternative to the pricier Tesla Model S, which starts at $74,990. According to the ACEEE report, the Tesla Model S isn’t as environmentally friendly as the Lexus RZ 300e.
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Mini Cooper SE EV: $30,900
Mini Coopers are known for their style and fun driving experience. The new MINI Electric keeps the cool design of the Mini Cooper. It is, however, styled with a fully electric engine, all for a reasonable price of $30,900.
Nissan Leaf EV: $28,140
Priced under $29,000, the Nissan Leaf offers smooth handling. What’s more, it also looks similar to the Nissan Rogue. It can drive up to 212 miles on a single charge, making it a great choice if you’re new to electric vehicles.
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Toyota bZ4X EV: $43,070
Toyota is known for starting the hybrid trend with the Prius. Now, the car company has fully entered the electric market with the bZ4X EV. This compact SUV can travel up to 252 miles on one charge, according to Kelley Blue Book.
Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV: $43,690
The new RAV4 Prime is one of the five Toyotas featured. It costs just under $44,000. It has a plug-in hybrid engine that can run up to 42 miles on battery power alone, according to KBB.com. This top-rated compact SUV combines style and reliability with the option to use gas or electric power.
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Hyundai Elantra Blue HEV: $26,250
At under $27,000, the Hyundai Elantra Blue HEV is one of the more affordable options. It offers Hyundai’s well-known reliability along with a smart, sporty design.
Hyundai Kona Electric EV: $34,050
Are you looking for an electric vehicle from Hyundai? The Hyundai Kona Electric is one car you can go for. It can go for 200 to 260 miles on a single charge, depending on the model you pick. Caranddriver.com praised its excellent design and spacious interior for a small SUV.
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Toyota Camry Hybrid HEV: $28, 855
If you’re into hybrids, the Toyota Camry Hybrid might interest you. This model combines fuel efficiency with the popularity of America’s best-selling sedan.
Kia EV6 EV ($43,975): Green Score 63
The Kia EV6 is an electric SUV that can go 310 miles on a single charge. It had one of the longest ranges on this list. It also charges quickly, from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes.
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Toyota Corolla Hybrid HEV: $23,500
Toyota’s 2024 Corolla Hybrid is a budget-friendly option. The car combines sporty performance and stylish design, giving it that expected sleek look.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV ($41,650): Green Score 62
Hyundai competes closely with Toyota by offering three of the 12 most environmentally friendly cars. The Ioniq 5 SUV runs entirely on electricity. It can go 303 miles before needing to recharge.
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The car features a roomy interior along with advanced technology, all priced at under $42,000. According to consumer reviews and the ACEEE, choosing one of these eco-friendly cars in 2024 for a greener option is a smart move.