If you want a car that not only saves gas, but helps save the environment as well, use this guide to the best green cars that use electricity to lower fuel emissions.
See New Car Clearance Prices
Congratulations! We've Located Clearance Prices
Choose Dealers to See Prices
Thank You
I would like to be notified of other BuyerLink.com money-saving offers
SEE CLEARANCE PRICES* By submitting your information, you agree to be contacted regarding automotive information, using email, telephone or text – including the use of autodialed and/or prerecorded calls or messages to the telephone number provided above, including your wireless number, if provided. I understand that consent is not a condition of purchase.
Today's best green cars are those that keep fuel economy a top priority or that incorporate an alternative energy source, such as hybrid or electric cars. In the past, people who purchased these cars were primarily focused on environmental concerns and wanted to reduce the use of fossil fuels. While many still buy green cars for this reason, many more are clamoring for environmentally friendly vehicles to offset the rising cost of fuel. Many cars on the market today are considered green, but only a few are considered the best.
Nissan Leaf
With a price starting at less than $29,000, the all-electric Nissan Leaf is consistently rated as one of the year's best green cars. The most important change in the newest model is a new 6.6-kilowatt on-board charger that cuts down on charging time by almost 50 percent.
The Nissan Leaf sports a spacious interior with options not found in many electric or hybrid cars, such as keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity and heated seats. Like most other electric cars, the Nissan Leaf suffers from limited range and sluggish performance. For the cost savings on fuel alone, however, many consumers find this car well worth the sacrifice.
Chevy Volt
The first hybrid on the list of the year's best green cars is the Chevrolet Volt. In addition to delivering a stunning fuel economy of 98 mpg equivalent when running electric and 37 mpg when running on gasoline, the Volt is affordable with prices starting at less than $40,000.
The Volt excels in fuel economy, topping other all-electric cars with a 300-mile maximum range. It also comes standard with a wide variety of features, such as a low emissions package and a collision warning system, and it has garnered top safety scores in crash tests. Although sales of the Volt were hurt shortly after its introduction in 2010 by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation into the possibility that its battery might catch fire, the agency found that the Volt had no problems, and the vehicle's sales are starting to rebound.
Tesla Model S
Tesla's Model S combines fuel efficiency and luxury in one powerful vehicle. The base prices for the Model S range from $70,000 to $95,000, so consumers expect more from this car, and the Model S delivers. This all-electric car has a 125-mile maximum range with the standard battery, and owners can upgrade to a 60 kWh or 85 kWh battery for even more driving range and power.
According to Car and Driver, the Tesla Model S has such superior comfort and driving performance that even BMW owners would classify it as a sports sedan instead of a green car. From heated 12-way power seats to a 17-inch touchscreen display to satisfy navigational and entertainment needs, the Tesla Model S delivers in terms of fuel efficiency, power, stability, comfort and luxury.
Get local price quotes on the best "green" cars now!
Although they have been around for several years, fuel-efficient cars are still in the early stages. Many have conquered the fuel-economy equation but forgot about comfort, power and a smooth ride. Only the best green cars of the year have managed to incorporate what owners want with what the environment needs. Use Buyerlink to find local dealers near you who can show you the true power behind these top vehicles.