The Most Environmentally Friendly Cars in 2024

As the world moves towards a greener future, car manufacturers worldwide are investing in the creation of more environmentally friendly vehicles. Broadly, there are four types of sustainable cars you might encounter on your quest for an eco-friendly ride:

• Hybrid cars: These eco-friendly vehicles cleverly combine traditional gasoline engines with electric motors. They improve fuel efficiency by seamlessly alternating between these two power sources, which significantly reduces carbon emissions. It's an innovative approach to sustainable cars, making them an appealing choice for many drivers.
• Plug-in hybrid cars: Taking a step beyond regular hybrids, plug-in hybrids are equipped with larger batteries and can be recharged directly from an electrical outlet. They can travel considerable distances using pure electric power, thereby contributing to a smaller carbon footprint. If you're considering hybrids, read the pros and cons of hybrid cars.
• Battery electric vehicles (EV & BEVs): Exemplifying some of the best cars for the environment, BEVs are powered solely by electricity stored in their batteries, meaning they emit zero tailpipe pollutants. These eco-friendly cars can be charged from the electric grid, which can include renewable sources like solar or wind power. The convenience of home charging and their significant contribution to reducing emissions make them a leading choice for green transport.
• Hydrogen fuel cell cars: These forward-thinking vehicles convert hydrogen gas into electricity, which then powers an electric motor. Remarkably, the only emission from these vehicles is water, making them one of the most environmentally friendly cars available today. While still somewhat of a rarity on the roads, they hold great potential for future sustainable transportation.

Are hybrid cars the most environmentally friendly?

In the pursuit of eco-friendly vehicles, hybrid cars have gained significant attention. They've been acclaimed for their balance between traditional fuel engines and electric power, which offers better fuel efficiency and fewer emissions than conventional cars.

However, while they're more environmentally friendly than their gasoline-only counterparts, hybrids aren't the greenest cars on the block. Electric vehicles (EVs), which produce zero tailpipe emissions, and hydrogen fuel cell cars, which only emit water, have them beat in that regard.

That said, hybrid cars can be an excellent stepping stone towards more sustainable transportation. They provide a practical choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact but aren't quite ready to switch to a fully electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

These sustainable cars were carefully curated using data from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit research organization committed to reducing energy waste and combating climate change. The ACEEE’s independent analysis supports investments, programs, and behaviors that leverage energy more effectively, striving towards an equitable clean energy future.

When it comes to environmental friendliness, a number of factors come into play. These include the car's fuel efficiency, emissions, materials used in production, and its overall life cycle, from manufacture to disposal. It's not always an easy question to answer. But thankfully, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has done the research and provided us with a comprehensive list of the greenest cars for 2023.

Taking into account these multi-faceted criteria, the Mini Cooper SE has been crowned as the most environmentally friendly car as of 2023 by the ACEEE. This all-electric wonder offers zero tailpipe emissions and boasts impressive energy efficiency, playing a significant role in combating climate change. But the Mini Cooper SE is not just about environmental stewardship; it's about making the drive exciting as well. 

Fusing modern technology with the charm of the 1960s MINIs, and backed by the engineering prowess of BMW, the Mini Cooper SE demonstrates that going green can be synonymous with style, fun, and affordability. If you wish to delve deeper into the criteria and the full list of the greenest cars, you can check it out on ACEEE's website.

Choosing an environmentally friendly car is about more than just picking an electric vehicle. There are many factors to consider, each one playing its own role in the overall impact the car has on the environment. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Assess the car’s lifecycle

When choosing an eco-friendly vehicle, it's important to look beyond its operational emissions. Consider the car's lifecycle emissions, which include the energy used in manufacturing and disposal, along with the emissions produced during its operation.

2. Understand the power source

The source of the electricity that powers an electric vehicle significantly influences its environmental impact. If possible, opt for renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar.

3. Look at fuel efficiency

Even if you're not ready to make the switch to an electric vehicle, you can still make a difference by choosing a car with high fuel efficiency. The higher the car's miles per gallon (MPG), the less fuel it uses and the fewer emissions it produces.

4. Check the car’s emission standard

Vehicles that meet stricter emission standards produce fewer pollutants. Look for vehicles that meet or exceed the latest emission standards set by the government.

5. Think about the car’s lifespan

A car that lasts longer reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing a new car. Choose a vehicle known for its longevity and maintain it well to extend its lifespan.

6. Consider the ease of maintenance

Cars that are easier to maintain tend to last longer and perform better, both of which reduce their overall environmental impact. Check the vehicle's maintenance record and choose a model that has a reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance.

Choosing an eco-friendly car doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a FINN car subscription, you can easily find a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and is in line with your environmental values. Our comprehensive database and intuitive interface make it simple to compare vehicles based on their environmental impact, helping you to make an informed and sustainable choice.