The Greenest Green Car

Going electric means going green but some EVs are greener than others. From cradle to grave there are various considerations to take into account in order to choose the greenest one. 

According to the annual Greenest Car List for 2019 of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), seven of the ten greenest cars sold in the US are full electric cars. Moreover, the ACEEE took a look from cradle to grave, including more elements than solely the direct emissions. In order to report on the car’s overall impact on the environment, the ACEEE had a look at the emissions from manufacturing and those associated with electricity production, and hence the energy source, and the manufacturing disposal impact before hitting the road and the disposal and recycling thereafter. 

In this regard it makes sense that EVs are more green when driven in California, New York and the Pacific Northwest, regions with a higher share of renewable energy production, than in Kansas, Missouri or Colorado. Still, overall, the Union of Concerned Scientists concluded that regardless the state, EVs are still a greener choice than ICEs. 

The top 7

1. Hyundai Ioniq Electric

The greenest car according to the ACEEE is the Hyundai Ioniq Electric Crossover, with a Green Score of 67, and a class-leading 150/122 MPGe (city/highway), and an operating range of 124 miles per charge.

2. BMW i3

With a higher range, but a slightly lower green score, the BMW i3 comes second. Rated at 124/102-MPGe and with a range of 153 miles on a charge, it still obtains a Green Score of 65.

3. Nissan Leaf

Interesting in the list is one of the best-selling green cars, the Nissan Leaf, which gains a Green Score of 63, for its 124/99-MPGe and a 150-mile range. Moreover, the e+ Nissan is expected to come this spring, with an extended reach, and maybe an even better Green Score?

4. Honda Clarity Electric

With a lower range, but a similar Green Score, is the Honda Clarity Electric, a five-passenger sedan. With a Green Score of 64, a range of 89 miles a charge and a 126/103 MPGe.

5. Kia Soul EV

In the same category of Green Scores, but with a higher range as well, is the Kia Soul EV. Fully Batter Powered, the car has a range of about 111 miles charge and is rated at 124/93 MPGe.

6. Hyundai Kona Electric

Another small crossover but with an impressive range, 258 miles a charge, is the Hyundai Kona Electric, and hence the second Hyundai in the list of most green EVs. 126/111-MPGe

7. Volkswagen e-Golf

The 7th most green electric car in the list is the Volkswagen e-Golf four-door hatchback with a Green Score of 62, a range of 125 miles and an estimated 126/111-MPGe.