While the new year means doing away with old, unhealthy habits it can also be a great time to reprioritize your current habits. And if one of your new year’s resolutions is to reduce your carbon footprint, a great place to start is with your car especially because eco-friendly cars are continuing to flood the market.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of a greenhouse gas called carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. Over time, these greenhouse gas emissions contribute to air pollution. This can cause negative environmental effects such as heat waves and rising sea levels. Also, inhaling toxic air particles as a result of pollution might lead to health complications including respiratory allergies and chest pains.
It’s often said that by doing your part to lead a more sustainable lifestyle it can have a positive effect on the planet. Although there are several factors that go into buying a new car from the price to its features, whether or not it’s green should be one of them as well. Here are five eco-friendly cars you should consider buying for the new year.
1. Ford Mustang Mach-E
First on the list is the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The experts at Cars.com praise the small SUV for having a national availability and range as high as 300 miles. Also, they note that this is a quiet electric despite it being called a Mustang. However, there’s a feature that can activate artificial engine noise with the flip of a switch.
The standard-range RWD model can go from zero 0 to 60-miles per hour (mph) in about 5.8 seconds. Whereas, the upcoming GT model sports that same distance in 3.5 seconds. These are some of the reasons why they named the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E “Best Eco-Friendly Car of the Year.”
Now if you’re looking to get the latest model, the 2022 version is currently listed as having a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $43,895 on Ford’s website. For a full breakdown and comparison of the 2021 and 2022 models, take a look at the video below.
2. 2022 MINI Cooper SE Hard Top 2 Door
If you’re looking for an all-electric vehicle with at a price and premium features, this vehicle might be the right fit for you. The 2022 MINI Cooper SE Hard Top 2 Door is quite a speedy vehicle as it spans zero to 60 mph in a little under seven seconds. It has a 114 estimated range per full charge. Plus, it only takes 36 minutes to charge to 80 percent, allowing you to recharge and then get back on the road.
Charging your Mini Cooper SE while you’re out shouldn’t be a problem because they are currently over 38,000 available to the public. The starting cost for this car is $29,900. And you can take a look at more of the vehicle’s interior and exterior features on the Vista MINI YouTube channel.
3. Tesla Model 3
Within the world of electric cars, Elon Musk’s company Tesla continues to dominate the conversation. In fact, a 2021 survey conducted by Morning Consult shows that 40 percent of US adults first think of Tesla when thinking about environmentally friendly vehicles.
Essentially, Tesla’s here to stay and if you’re looking to purchase one it’s worth looking into their 2022 Model 3 vehicle. Tesla’s website currently features these versions of the model 3 and their respective vehicle price:
- Base Model 3 – $44,990
- Model 3 Long Range – $50,990
- Model 3 Performance – $58,990
The Model 3 reaches a top speed of 140 mph and goes from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Additionally, it’s been given a nine out of 10 for electric fuel economy by CarHP so it’s quite an energy-efficient electric car. To learn more about the Model 3 before visiting your nearest Tesla dealership, take a look at the video below.
4. Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
With Hyundai on the path to reach carbon neutrality by 2045, releasing their Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is a step in that direction. This vehicle features a combined battery and gas range of up to 620 miles. Or as the makers at Hyundai write on their site, “Electric when you want it. Gas when you need it.”
The car manufacturer also points out how you can save money on gas by switching to the car’s electric power for 29 miles. This way you can always get to your destination hassle-free. With a starting MSRP of $26,800 it’s hard to pass up this affordable, eco-friendly car option.
5. 2022 Kia Niro
Within the world of hybrid cars, the 2022 Kia Niro is another standout vehicle. At a starting MSRP of $24,690 you’ll score amazing features including smart key with push button ignition and remote start. Plus, it comes with an EPA-estimated 51, 46 and 49 miles per gallon for city, highway and combined roads respectively.
This hybrid also comes with lane-keeping assist, blind spot detection, auto emergency braking technologies for the safest ride possible. Kia describes this car as “a hybrid packed with style.” And it’s easy to see why in this short commercial posted on Kia’s YouTube channel.
This list should definitely give you plenty of reasons to consider going green for your next car purchase!
