Green Car Journal has announced its five finalists for the magazine’s prestigious 2016 Green Car of the Year award.
The 2016 models include the Audi A3 e-tron, Chevrolet Volt, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Prius.
An increasing number of vehicle models are considered for the Green Car of the Year program each year, a reflection of the auto industry’s expanding efforts in offering new vehicles with higher efficiency and improved environmental impact. Green Car Journal has been honoring the most important green vehicles every year at the LA Auto Show, since its inaugural award announced at the show in 2005.
The Finalists:
- AUDI A3 E-TRON – The A3 Sportback e-tron is Audi’s entry in the hot plug in hybrid vehicle market. This five door hatchback uses lithium-ion batteries and a 102 hp electric motor to deliver up to 19 miles of all electric driving, after which its 150 hp, 1.4 liter gasoline TFSI engine provides power for extended driving in efficient hybrid mode.
- CHEVROLET VOLT – Chevrolet’s second generation Volt features sportier styling, better performance and a lighter and more powerful two motor drive system. The five passenger, extended range electric vehicle now drives up to 53 miles on batteries alone, with its 1.5 liter gasoline powered generator creating on board electricity to deliver an overall 420 mile range.
- HONDA CIVIC – Now in its tenth generation, the all new Honda Civic delivers exemplary fuel efficiency in an affordable, conventionally powered model. The Civic blends hybrid like fuel economy and appealing style, with an array of desired amenities and advanced electronics that meets the needs of many drivers.
- HYUNDAI SONATA – Hyundai’s 2016 Sonata offers it all with efficient gasoline, hybrid and plug in hybrid choices within the Sonata lineup. New this year, the hybrid delivers up to 43 highway mpg. The Sonata Plug-In Hybrid drives up to 24 miles on batteries with additional range on conventional hybrid power.
- TOYOTA PRIUS – The Toyota Prius emerges in 2016 as a completely redesigned model, delivering the attributes expected of an industry leading hybrid with important design, technology and efficiency updates. It features a familiar yet bolder exterior and incorporates suspension and other improvements to deliver improved driving dynamics.
The Green Car of the Year is selected through a majority vote by a jury that includes celebrity auto enthusiast Jay Leno, plus leaders of noted environmental and efficiency organizations including Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; Matt Petersen, board member of Global Green USA; Dr. Alan Lloyd, president Emeritus of the International Council on Clean Transportation; Mindy Lubber, president of CERES; and Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy.
During the award’s vetting process, Green Car Journal editors consider all vehicles, fuels, and technologies as an expansive field of potential candidates is narrowed down to a final five. Finalists are selected for their achievements in raising the bar in environmental performance. Many factors are considered including efficiency, EPA and CARB emissions certification, performance characteristics, newness and affordability. Availability to the mass market is important to ensure honored models have the potential to make a real difference in environmental impact, and finalists must be available for sale by January 1st of the award year.
Published in the December 2015 Edition of American Recycler News