Which new green car is the best?
Every December, we ask this question seriously, first putting together a list of all the electric and hybrid vehicles that will launch by the end of the calendar year and that you can buy early next year. Now, that’s looking at 2022.
As we’ve asserted over the years, backed up by a host of peer-reviewed articles and reputable scientific sources, electric vehicles are much better for the environment. The additional carbon footprint of assembling an electric vehicle, manufacturing a battery and even sourcing the materials that go into it is relatively small compared to all the emissions that make up smoke and global warming. it will save during use time.
Must meet some qualifying numbers
With that, we’ve applied some conditions. With the benefit of helping households that may not have had reliable access to a major charge-to-drive transition, we’ve continued the debate about plug-in hybrids. A few years ago, based on AAA’s American Driving Survey, we set a minimum distance of 32 miles on electric power, which is about the same as the average US round-trip commute. This year’s version of the Covid-influenced survey shows that distance is only 30 miles, but we won’t be going back.
For fully electric vehicles, we’ve again decided to limit the list of eligible electric vehicles to an EPA range of at least 125 miles — which equates to a 100-mile range with 80% of the express toll on the highway, the rate minimal we could see dealing with the rare weekend road trips with a car in the city.
Transportation also needs to be made available to the editors of our broader editorial team before the end of the year and delivered to customers paying significant amounts by the end of the first quarter. first. During the second year, due to Covid protocols, we were unable to assemble the entire pool of nominees for the constant dynamics, debate and sometimes heated discussion, but for the most part we worked against logistical challenges and take the time to sit in the chair in all the candidates.
2019 Tesla Model 3
Must make a difference
What makes Green Car Report’s best car to buy, like our 2021 winners, Ford Mustang Mach-Eor two previous winners, Audi E-Tron SUV and Tesla Model 3? We look for vehicles that will make a big difference to the market — and that could mean massive growth with accessible efficiency, pushing green vehicles into a new niche, or launching a new one. bold technology claims that challenge other automakers. Looking back at 11 years of previous winners — from the affordable Leaf and practical Prius to the game-changing Tesla Model S and Model 3 — we don’t stick to any version of the formula. there.
More on that on January 3, when we announce the winners. Meanwhile, those requests leave us with five nominees and finalists — each with important firsts — presented here in alphabetical order. The competition is tight.
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai Ioniq 5. Hyundai first signaled that the Ioniq 5 was going to be something special more than two years ago with its 45 Concept, a throwback to the sleek hatchbacks of the 70s — and its first car for Export, Pony. As the first dedicated electric vehicle built on the E-GMP platform set to underpin other upcoming EVs from Hyundai, Kia and Genesis, the Ioniq 5 marks a starting point for Hyundai, escaping from the limitations of internal combustion engines. With its emphasis on efficiency, rapid 800-volt charging, and a home energy ecosystem capable of taking advantage of bidirectional capabilities, it demonstrates a major global automaker’s commitment in recovery of their vehicles.
2021 Lucid Air
Lucid Air. In recent years, there have been times when Lucid looked like a long shot. However, the company that has helped power Formula E racing for three seasons, now part of the Lucid Group, has found enough funding to build a factory, completing development. car and pushed its flagship Air sedan into production. Air introduces the company’s amazingly small, “miniature” inverters, transmissions, and motors, all developed in-house, suitable for more affordable models and outstripping Tesla in efficiency. productivity – the longtime strength of the Bay Area competitor. With an EPA range of up to 520 miles and performance figures that beat the newly refreshed Model S, likely leaving engineers at other automakers scrambling to catch up, Lucid has raised the bar. for the whole industry?
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS
Mercedes-Benz EQS. Mercedes-Benz once owned nearly a tenth of Tesla and, German pride aside, perhaps long ago was able to exploit the Model S’ range and efficiency with US help. But now with up to 350 miles EPA-rated, it’s finally on the field – in Mercedes terms and with the level of technology, luxury and detail expected. We’ve seen the EQS as both a torchbearer of the S-Class heritage and a beneficiary of dedicated EV advantages like more cabin space. And more than that, for better or worse, its Hyperscreen is a technical display that will leave you stunned, enthralled or polarized. Could it represent the future for luxury electric cars in the way that others do?
Rivian R1T
Rivian R1T. This is the first mass-produced all-electric pickup truck, and it’s not from Tesla or the Big 3 automakers that rely heavily on trucks. Highly regarded start-up company Rivian has developed the R1T and its upcoming SUV, the R1S, to herald a new era for adventure cars. Their vision, which includes a charging network and nurturing community among owners, suggests a holistic approach that extends to the entire lifestyle. But the R1T itself, with its incredible off-road capabilities, intuitive interface and wide range of accessories, could show a vast new group that electric vehicles are better.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro WILL
Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 is the first vehicle available in the United States of a generation of electric vehicles that VW says is intended for “millions of people, not millionaires.” It’s also one of the first models to be built on VW’s MEB platform truly for millions of EVs and to begin assembly in the United States starting in 2022 — with the base model’s final starting price. about 36,000 dollars. While its arrival isn’t the tough reboot Volkswagen has prepared for us, the ID.4 is here and it’s really good in many respects important to families, like interior space, cabin noise and technology features. While the infotainment system has flaws and the lack of Plug & Charge compatibility has held it back a bit, it’s still one of the boldest undertakings for the future.
