The progression of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles continues to advance at a staggering pace. With more competition jumping into the game, auto manufacturers are investing millions into making better vehicles. For shoppers, that means more choices to bring home an amazing, eco-friendly ride. Here are the ten most eco-friendly vehicles for 2022 that you can bring home today:
Types of Eco-Friendly Vehicles
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the most fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles involve some kind of electric motor and battery. These green automobiles use less or no gasoline, which reduces their dependence on fossil fuels. There are three kinds of vehicles that fall into this category:
Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid cars use an internal combustion engine along with one or more electric motors. The batteries are charged through regenerative braking and not from plugging in the vehicle. These vehicles still use gasoline but earn stellar fuel-economy ratings beyond a typical gasoline engine.
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) also use a combination of an internal combustion engine along with one or more electric motors. The battery packs in a PHEV need to be charged via a plug or charging station. These vehicles can operate on full electricity for a limited range before switching to the gas-hybrid powertrain.
Donate Your Car
Electric Vehicles
Full-electric vehicles (EVs) require no gasoline and completely run off of a battery pack. They can have multiple electric motors and extended-range batteries for more power. They require charging via an electrical outlet or charging station. Unlike hybrid and plug-in hybrids, EVs produce no harmful emissions.
The Most Eco-Friendly Vehicles in 2022
Based on a study completed by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a number of vehicles made the eco-friendly list. Each car’s score is based on its fuel economy, emissions, pollution associated with production, and more. While you might expect EVs to be the most environmentally-friend, some of the current manufacturing processes are less friendly than building hybrids. Here is the ACEEE’s list of top ten eco-friendly vehicles for 2022:
- Toyota Prius Prime (PHEV)
- Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
- Mini Cooper SE Hardtop Two-Door (EV)
- Nissan Leaf (EV)
- Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
- Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue (Hybrid)
- Mazda MX-30 (EV)
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid
- Honda Insight (Hybrid)
- Toyota Camry Hybrid
Honorable Mentions
There are several other vehicles that are worth considering if you’re looking for an eco-friendly vehicle. For example, Ford’s new F-150 Lightning proves that not all green vehicles need to be small sedans or hatchbacks. This pickup truck is fully electric and is an eco-friendly option for someone who still needs the towing and hauling power you can only get from an F-150. Other major brands are also in the process of creating larger EVs, like the upcoming Chevy Silverado EV and eventual Ram EV. While these massive rigs may not be as eco-friendly as the vehicles on the top ten list, they are steps in the right direction. If you are ready to upgrade new an EV, consider donating your old car today!