Sustainable Transportation: 5 Eco-Friendly Cars For A More Conscious Commute
In the market for a more environmentally conscious vehicle? Although we are always in favor of biking, walking, or utilizing public transport when possible, most of us need cars for work, especially in rural cities. Thankfully, specific car manufacturers have begun to prioritize the environmental impact of fuel emissions, as well as the long-term footprint of car creation.
There are many vehicles out there that are making an effort to be more “green,” but with MPGe, safety, and advanced technology in mind, here are five of our top electric picks for a more sustainable drive.
1. 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
Eco | 100% Electric With Zero Emissions, Bio-Fabrics, Recycled Plastics, Powdered Wood, and Volcanic Stone Used For Interior
Base Model Specs | 5 Seats, 118 HP, 136 MPGe (Combined)
Key Features | The Industry’s Most Innovative Safety Features, Apple CarPlay And Android Auto Integration, Wireless Phone Charging Pad, Spacious Interior With 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seatback, Integrated Memory System For Shared Drivers, Blue Link® App Integration, Sound Absorbing Materials For A Quieter & Calmer Drive, Dynamic Bending Headlights For Curved Roads, Heated Seats, Lifetime Hybrid/Electric Battery Warranty & 10 Year/100,000 Mile Car Warranty
Where To Buy | Currently only available to California residents at Hyundai dealerships
Price | $29,500 (base model)
Named by The American Council for an Energy Efficiency Economy as the greenest car currently sold in the USA, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is at the top of our list for a more conscious commute. A perfect marriage of comfort, safety, and efficiency, this electric car is a dream for California drivers.
More about the Hyundai Ioniq Electric
2. 2017 Fiat 500e
Eco | 100% Electric With Zero Emissions, Heated Power Exterior Mirrors To Reduce Vehicle Drag Coefficient, Rear Spoiler To Increase Aerodynamic Efficiency
Base Model Specs | 5 Seats, 111 HP, 121 MPGe (City), 103 MPGe (Highway)
Key Features | Alpine® Premium Audio System, 7-inch Driver Information Digital Cluster Display, UCONNECT® 5.0 System With 5-Inch Full-Color Touch Screen, Hill Start Assist, Innovative Safety Features & Audible Pedestrian Warning System, LED Charge Indicators, 8-Year Limited Battery Warranty & 4-Year Limited Car Warranty
Where To Buy | As of current, available only to California & Oregon residents
Price | $32,995 (base model)
With funky, bright colors and stylish design elements, the 2017 Fiat 500e may just be the most eye-catching eco car on the market. Numerous safety features, as well as the latest tech integrations, make for a secure, luxurious, and sustainable drive. A definite conversation starter, we hope this car will soon be available nationwide.
More about the Fiat 500E
3. 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Eco | 100% Electric With Zero Emissions, Regen On Demand To Slow Down Without Using The Brake Pedal & Convert Energy Into More Electricity, One-Pedal Driving To Conserve Energy
Base Model Specs | 5 Seats, 200 HP, 238 MPGe (Combined)
Key Features | Electronic Precision Shift For Gear Selection, Michelin® Self-Sealing Tires, Enclosed, Flat Underbody To Improve Aerodynamics, 56.6 Cu. Ft. Of Cargo Space, 10.2-Inch Diagonal Color Touch-Screen And 8-Inch Diagonal Driver Cluster For Real-Time Information & Car Control, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Integration, Built-In 4G LTE Wi-Fi, myChevrolet Mobile App Integration, Ingenious Radar & Camera-Based Safety Systems Including 10 Air Bags, Surround Vision For Birds Eye View Of Surroundings, Chevrolet Complete Care Warranty
Where To Buy | Nationwide
Price | $37,495 (base model)
The Chevrolet Bolt EV has an impressive list of awards, including 2017 Motor Trend Car Of The Year, 2017 Green Car Of The Year By Green Car Journal, and 2017 North American Car Of The Year. Out of all the cars on our list, the Bolt EV has the most horsepower (HP) and miles per gasoline equivalent (MPGe). These elements, paired with top of the line tech and safety features make it one of the most impressive and well rounded eco-friendly vehicles to date.
More about the Chevrolet Bolt EV
4. 2017 Ford Focus Electric
Eco | 100% Electric With Zero Emissions, Eco-Conscious Cloth For Seating, SmartGauge With EcoGuide Helps Drivers Maximize Vehicle Efficiency, Regenerative Breaking And Break Coach To Save Energy
Base Model Specs | 5 Seats, 143 HP, 118 MPGe (City), 96 MPGe (Highway)
Key Features | Heated Seats, LED Signature Lighting With Dedicated Daytime Running Lamps, Hill Start Assist, Personal Safety System & State Of The Art Safety Features, SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System, Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System With SiriusXM Traffic & Travel Link, Enhanced Voice Recognition Communications & Entertainment System, Smart Charging USB Ports, 8-Year Electric Components Warranty
Where To Buy | Nationwide
Price | $29,120 (base model)
Ford’s first sole battery charging model, the Ford Focus Electric is exactly what conscious commuters have been waiting for. Apart from its green engine, the car’s look and feel are very similar to the gasoline version. Both compact and comfortable, the Ford Focus Electric is perfect for daily drives to work and relaxing vacations.
More about the Ford Focus Electric
5. 2017 Toyota Prius v
Eco | Electric With Super Ultra Low Emissions, SoftTex®-Trimmed Seats Generate 85% Fewer CO2 Emissions & 99% Fewer VOCs Than Conventional Synthetic Leather, LED Headlights, ECO Mode To Maximize Efficiency & Hybrid System Indicator, Aerodynamic Design
Base Model Specs | 5 Seats, 143 HP, 41 MPGe (Combined)
Key Features | Four Model Options, Panoramic View Moonroof, Power Lumbar Support In Driver’s Seat & Heated Seats, Smart Key System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, High Tech Integrated Navigation System & App Suite, Whiplash-Injury-Lessening Front Seat Belts, 2-Year No Cost Maintenance Plan & 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
Where To Buy | Nationwide
Price | $26,675 (base model)
No list of sustainable cars would be complete without the addition of a Prius, the hybrid leader of the car industry. We specifically love the 2017 Prius v for its cargo space and roomy interior. Like the Bolt EV, this car has a spot for your luggage – 34.3 cu. ft. to be exact – making it an ideal vehicle for families and longer road trips.