In 2024, the number of electric automobiles sold more than quadrupled to 6.6 million. As the government has set a goal for all new car sales to be emission-free by 2030, sales of electric and hybrid cars are expected to increase in the near future in the United States.

60% of customers have considered buying an electric or hybrid vehicle at some time, according to the most current Zebra Electric Vehicles Report. In case you're looking to buy a new car and want to consider a more sustainable alternative, we've listed the most eco-friendly cars of 2022.

After you've selected an eco-friendly car, don't forget to get enough insurance for it. Because the cost of insuring electric and hybrid automobiles is typically higher than that of a regular car, you should compare auto insurance rates before making a purchase.

An eco-friendly car: what is it

According to the EPA, an eco-friendly or "green" automobile is one that runs more efficiently and produces less emissions than a normal car. Many cars are included in this broad category of environmentally friendly vehicles, regardless of whether they are powered by gasoline or an alternative fuel.

Top 8 Car Reviews For Eco-friendly Vehicles

Thanks to legislative initiatives and advancements in automotive technology, more cars now meet the standards for green cars. Whether you're looking to buy a fully electric car, an internal combustion engine car with exceptional gas economy, or anything in between, we've compiled a list of the top eco-friendly cars using GreenerCars' rankings of the Greenest and Greener cars.

On a scale of 1 to 100, the top automobile of 2022 had a score of 69. The higher the score, the more emission-free and fuel-efficient the car. This list of the greenest cars takes into account the vehicle's powertrain, or the technology that drives it, fuel efficiency, and GreenerCar ratings.

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1. The Toyota Prius Prime

The Toyota Prius Prime is the most environmentally friendly vehicle of 2022 and one of the best-selling hybrids. This eco-friendly car has a 640-mile driving range and is ideal for both everyday commuters and road trippers because to its lightweight lithium-ion battery.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 69 out of 100.
• The plug-in hybrid powertrain.
• Fuel efficiency: 54 mpg overall.

2. Plug-in hybrid Hyundai Ioniq

You can choose to utilize gas or electricity wherever you go with the Hyundai Ioniq PHEV, which has a combined driving range of 620 miles. This vehicle offers benefits for both you and the environment, including the ability to drive in all-electric mode and preferential access to HOV lanes based on your location.

Read also: In-depth reviews of electric cars 2024

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 68 out of 100.
• The plug-in hybrid powertrain.
• Fuel efficiency: 52 mpg overall.

3. Two-door Mini Cooper SE Hardtop

With a full charge, the completely electric Mini Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door can go 114 miles and save a significant amount of money on petrol. The SE Hardtop 2 Door may save you up to $1,368 annually in just 15,000 miles, which is just a little bit more than the typical amount of miles driven by Americans.[8]

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 67 out of 100.
• Power source: electric car.
• Fuel efficiency: 110 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) combined.

4. The Nissan Leaf

This all-electric car has a 110-kilowatt electric motor and a 40-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. The Nissan LEAF makes the switch to electric vehicles more accessible for the general public by having one of the lowest EV pricing points.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 67 out of 100.
• Power source: electric car.
• Fuel efficiency: 111 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) overall. 

Read also: Peugeot 208 Car Review 2024

5. Plug-in hybrid Kia Niro

Over a five-year period, owners of the award-winning crossover SUV Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid are expected to save about $5,000 on fuel expenses. This PHEV's 560-mile driving range allows you to conveniently avoid pit stops, as if the fuel savings weren't enough.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 65 out of 100.
• The plug-in hybrid powertrain.
• Fuel efficiency: 46 mpg overall.

6. Blue Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue is a gasoline hybrid that ranks first on our list of green vehicles due to its exceptional fuel efficiency, which is comparable to that of the top-ranked eco-friendly automobile.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 65 out of 100.
• Engine: hybrid gasoline.
• Fuel efficiency: 56 mpg overall. 

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7. The Mazda MX-30

The MX-30, Mazda's first electric car, has a lithium-ion battery with an eight-year warranty, new e-Skyactiv X technology, and a quick charge. Additionally, it can travel 100 miles on a single charge, which is really impressive.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 65 out of 100.
• Power source: electric car.
• Fuel efficiency: 92 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) overall.

8. Hybrid Toyota Corolla

This gasoline hybrid, which employs Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, is the most fuel-efficient iteration of the Corolla. For maximum performance and efficiency, this technology uses lightweight materials and a hybrid battery.

Important eco-features:

• GreenerVehicle rating: 64 out of 100.
• Engine: hybrid gasoline.
• Fuel efficiency: 50 mpg overall.