April 22nd, 2016 will mark the 46th year of Earth Day, where people gather to celebrate being good stewards of the planet we share. When it comes to finding a vehicle that’s “environmentally friendly” the search can turn up some conflicting answers. While the battery electric vehicle (BEV) might not be as “green” as various marketing departments would have you think, they’re one of the best options available today.
For example, Motor Trend has a long-term Kia Soul EV with a 27 kWh battery pack. Fully charging it from empty would cost us around $5.40 (27 kWh x $0.20 per kW). The Kia Soul EV, along with its fellow BEVs, does not produce any “tailpipe” emissions, like a traditional car with an internal combustion engine. Instead, those emissions are offset and produced by the power source that drivers choose to use when charging their vehicles. We took a look at where our electricity comes from in Los Angeles, and across the nation as a whole.
| %s from | Non-Hydro Renewable | Hydro (water) | Nuclear | Oil | Natural Gas | Coal |
| MT HQ | 13.2% | 12.7% | 9% | 0.8% | 58.6% | 5.3% |
| America | 5.4% | 6.7% | 19% | 0.7% | 30.3% | 37.4% |
We’re gassier than most, but it’s a decent mix. If you wanted to minimize your impact on the environment, in addition to driving one of the EV’s we’ve listed, consider purchasing Green Power, which allows you to purchase electricity produced from clean, sustainable energy sources such as wind, hydro, and solar. In LA it would cost us an additional 3 cents per kWh. That’s $6.21 on our Kia Soul EV, just $0.81 more than the mix we describe above. We found this link for residents of Los Angeles.
Which EV is best for the environment? Well, the one that uses a kW the most efficiently! Here are the 10 most efficient EVs on the market, as rated by the EPA. We’ll try to settle ties by looking outside the box at a more holistic picture.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is a three-row crossover that not only managed to be the quickest SUV we’ve ever tested, but is also quite adventurous in the design department. From the massive front windshield, to the non-traditional single-post seat design, to the falcon wing rear doors, the Model X makes a statement. Currently available with only the 90kWh battery pack the Model X uses 37-38 kWh/100 miles, which gives it a range of 250-257 miles.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S was the first serious electric vehicle from Elon Musk’s ambitious company, and it has been widely acclaimed by both the press and consumers. A wide range of battery packs are available, from 70 kWh to 90 kWh, as are both rear-wheel drive (single-motor) and all-wheel drive options (dual motor). The Model S 70D is the most efficient iteration of the sedan, consuming just 33 kWh/100 miles for a total range of 240 miles, while the Model S 90 (RWD only) consumes 38 kWh/100 miles but has a longer range of 265 miles thanks to the larger battery pack.
Kia Soul Electric
The Kia Soul EV, which also features traditional models with gasoline-burning engines, is a versatile little hatchback. Just a year ago the Kia Soul EV was the “best of the rest” in the BEV segment, with the best range on the affordable side of the luxury Tesla Model S. Despite being inched out of its braggings rights by the Nissan Leaf, the Kia Soul’s 93 mile driving range is still quite usable, and while consuming 32 kWh/100 miles it’s quite efficient too. Just hold the “electric hamster” jokes.
Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Coupe
The Smart Fortwo electric drive (available in both hardtop coupe and soft-roof convertible models) still aims for a similar segment: urbanites with challenging parking arrangements, and no need to travel outside of the city regularly. The tiny smart has a 68 mile range and consumes 32 kWh/ 100 miles. If you can commute, pick up groceries, and otherwise function primarily with the tiny two-seater, you can be making a huge difference by subtracting your environmental impact. The last-generation model is shown here.
Nissan Leaf 24 kWh and 30 kWh battery
With the addition of an optional 30 kWh battery pack above the standard 24 kWh battery, the Nissan Leaf jumped to the front of the not-a-Tesla segment of BEVs. The forthcoming Chevrolet Bolt looks poised to dethrone the Leaf as #2, but for now the 84 to 107 mile range with a 30 kWh/ 100 miles efficiency the Leaf is the best choice for range-sensitive drivers who don’t want to break the bank.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is either the world’s best golf cart, or a simple city car. The 62 mile range dictates that it’s better for an urban environment, and a particular commute, but the 30 kWh/100 miles efficiency rating makes it one of the more efficient cars in the BEV segment.
Fiat 500e
When you want to do your part for the environment, but you don’t want to sacrifice style, the Fiat 500e is the kind of car you drive. The 500e has all the same character and charm as the regular 500, but with a totally usable 84 mile range and consumption of just 30 kWh/100 miles, your commute can be stylish, efficient, and green.
Volkswagen e-Golf
The Volkswagen e-Golf is one of the few BEVs that doesn’t flaunt its electric nature too much. The exterior looks much like any other Volkswagen Golf, but with a few subtle efficiency tweaks, such as badges and a different wheel design. The 83 mile range means the e-Golf has enough range to accommodate a long-ish commute, while the 29 kWh/100 mile efficiency puts its above most.
Chevrolet Spark EV
The Chevrolet Spark EV has an astounding 327 lb-ft of torque, and with a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds it’s so much faster than the regular Spark (more than 10 seconds to 60 in our testing) we’re tempted to call it the Chevrolet Spark SS. With 82 miles of the range and a 28 kWh/100 mile efficiency rating, the Spark EV proves you don’t have to give up fun while making a difference for the environment.
BMW i3 BEV
BMW calls the i3 one of its most forward-thinking production cars ever. Over 25% of the interior is made from renewable raw and recycled materials, with attractive open-pore Eucalyptus Wood as the centerpiece. The i3 is far from pretty to look at (if that’s important to you, see Tesla, VW, Fiat, etc) but with a 27 kWh/100 mile efficiency rating it’s the most efficient mass-market BEV out there. The i3 currently boasts an 81 mile range, which is said to improve by 50% with changes to the 2017 model, which should net it nearly 120 miles of range.
No Car
By far the best car for the environment is no car at all. We’re talking alternative transportation: bikes, walking, an even public transit. While transit systems aren’t completely clean, taking one vehicle that would have otherwise been polluting, out of the equation makes a difference. This editor often rides the Metro here in Los Angeles to Motor Trend HQ: I get to read a book, avoid the bulk of traffic, and reduce my environmental impact.
The post Celebrate Earth Day With These Good-For-The-Environment Cars appeared first on Motor Trend.
from Motor Trend http://ift.tt/1r2rMxL
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire