What Sort Of Car Is The Most Eco-Friendly, Low Cost And Fuel Efficient?

Today the selection of efficient, lower-pollution cars includes a bewildering array of technologies and models — hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electrics, diesels and hydrogen fuel cells. Conventional gasoline cars, meanwhile, have made great strides in going farther on less fuel.But which technology is kindest to the planet? And which one fits your family's budget and your commute?


With the help of the Union of Concerned Scientists, we examined seven powertrain options, analyzing their greenhouse gas emissions — including the power plant pollution required to produce electricity — along with their relative fuel efficiency and cost of operation.

How green vehicles match up

The analysis looked at comparably-sized passenger cars and, where possible, different powertrains fitted into the same model. Costs were based on typical California fuel and electricity prices.

Battery electric cars — those that run solely on electricity — are the cleanest and least expensive to operate. But they typically get only about 80 miles of driving range on a full charge (Tesla's Model S is the exception, traveling more than 250 miles on a charge, but it typically sells for about $100,000.)

Other drivetrains offer compelling combinations of efficiency and low emissions in a more practical, affordable package.

"Electric vehicles are the greenest choice for California drivers," said Dave Reichmuth, senior engineer at the Union of Concerned Scientists. "But even switching to a more efficient gasoline vehicle can lead to significant emissions reductions and lower petroleum use."

To get a breakdown of all the available drive-train options Click here