By John Addison (11/10/09, original post Clean Fleet Report)
The new 2010 model hybrid cars offered in the U.S. are destined to sell with gasoline prices rising. Toyota (TM) dominates the list including new models from Lexus. There are also impressive offerings from Honda (HMC), Ford (F), Nissan (NSANY), and Chevrolet (GMGMQ.PK). Your top 10 choices include hatchbacks that start at under $20,000 and stretch to roomy premium SUVs that cost over $40,000.
Toyota Prius continues to lead the field in fuel economy and lowest lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. This perennial favorite midsize 4-door hatchback delivers 50 miles per gallon (mpg) and is lowest on the list with 3.7 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent for the EPA annual driving cycle. Yes, 3.7 tons of CO2e is a lot; but many cars, light trucks, and SUVs create three times that emission; to get lower emissions you would need a plug-in car. The hatchback design allows for more cargo, especially if you drop part or all of the 60/40 back bench seat. This year, Toyota is also putting 500 plug-in hybrid Priuses into fleet tests. 2010 Toyota Prius Review
Honda Civic Hybrid is a good alternative for those who want a traditional looking sedan that seats 5. This compact rates saves fuel at 42 mpg. At 4.4 annual tons of CO2e, this hybrid emits actually emits less greenhouse gases than its CNG cousin.
Honda Insight is a sporty four-door hatchback with an Ecological Drive Assist System. Although the Insight looks like the Prius, it is a bit smaller, lighter, and often $2,000 less than the Prius. The Insight will deliver 41 mpg combined, with annual emissions of about 4.5 tons of CO2e. Clean Fleet Report Test Drive
Ford Fusion Hybrid is appealing to those who want a made in America midsized sedan. This roomy 5-seater delivers 39 mpg and 4.7 tons of CO2e per year. The Fusion Hybrid and its first cousin the Mercury Milan Hybrid may travel up to 47 miles per hour in pure electric mode. The Advanced Intake Variable Cam Timing allows for more seamlessly transition between gas and electric modes, making for a smooth and quiet ride. Clean Fleet Report Test Drive The Mercury Milan Hybrid offers the same drive system and body, with upscale interior.
Lexus HS 250h is a stylish compact 4-seat sedan that delivers 35 mpg and 5.3 tons of CO2e per year. The Lexus brand lets your friends know that are using less petroleum by choice; you can afford a bit of luxury.
2010 Top 10 Hybrids for Best Fuel Economy:
1. Toyota Prius
2. Honda Civic Hybrid
3. Honda Insight
4. Ford Fusion Hybrid
5. Lexus HS 250h
6. Nissan Altima Hybrid
7. Toyota Camry Hybrid
8. Ford Escape Hybrid SUV
9. Lexus RX 450h SUV
10. Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Get more details about the Clean Fleet Report 2010 Top 10 Hybrids. Major auto shows are coming, so check back as we update the list in the months ahead.
By John Addison who publishes the Clean Fleet Report and speaks at conferences. He has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. He is the author of the new book - Save Gas, Save the Planet - now selling at Amazon and other booksellers.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
2010 Hybrid Cars with Best MPG
Labels: Chevrolet hybrids, F, Ford hybrids, GMGMQ.PK, HMC, Honda hybrids, Nissan hybrids, NSANY, TM, Toyota hybrids
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4 Comments:
I'm a big fan of the Civic Hybrid - actually I've been one ever since it came out. It's nice to know that there are more options though.
Now there's even more reason to be a fan. Thanks so much!
Hybrid cars are great but I am surprised that turbo diesel cars have not caught on in the U.S. I own a 2005 VW TDI Passat and get an average of 40 MPG on the highway with the AC on full. This is with an average trip speed of 60 MPH and with long stretches of cruising at 74 MPH. My solid Passat wagon is essentially a mid-size car with plenty of room and storage capacity in comparison to a Prius. Also it has the suspension of it's Audi A4 cousin and handles curves like a pro, its acceleration from a dead stop is pretty good too once the turbo kicks in. I have over 104,000 miles on my TDI and plan to put another 200,000 miles on it before I trade it in for another TDI-if I can get one in the U.S.
Has anyone done an end to end environmental impact assessment on hybrid cars, are the battery packs fully recycled?
Good article, thx for it!
Chris, yes I have been impressed with test drives of turbo diesels. They are far more popular in Europe, but tough to get 50-state emissions approval in the U.S. EPA emissions estimates for the 2010 Prius using the Greet 1.7 model is 3.7 tons CO2e for 15,000 miles. By comparision, the lowest emissions from a U.S. offered turbo diesel is the 2010 VW Jetta TDI with 6.2 tons CO2e. Battery makers tell me that they recycle over 95 percent of the metals in batteries - it is good business. Heavy vehicles from buses to delivery vans are increasingly hybrid diesels, a nice combination.
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