2010 Cars with the Lowest Carbon Footprint

The cars with the lowest carbon footprint all save by using half the fuel of most cars. The Toyota Prius continues to the United States 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. The 2010 Clean Fleet Report of Lowest GHG includes many hybrids, one SUV, and one car that runs on CNG.

Ten Reasons for drop in Car Ownership

In the United States, we embarrassingly have more vehicles than people with driver’s licenses. AAA estimates that it costs $8,000 per year for each car owned, which creates a financial burden on cash-strapped Americans. To the rescue are 10 positive trends that helped Americans scrap 14 million cars in 2009, while only buying 10.5 million new ones. Ownership is declining because of 10 factors including urban density, transit, employer programs, and intermodal intelligence.

Top 10 Electric Car Makers for 2010 and 2011

By 2011 year end, competition will be intense for electric car United States leadership. Tesla has the early lead in freeway-speed electric cars, but Nissan has big commitments for major U.S. cities. Toyota and GM will fight for plug-in hybrid early market share. Ford will have multiple electric car and plug-in hybrid offerings. European and Asian competitors will enter the fray. Don’t count out the good old United States “can do” entrepreneurs with exciting innovation and venture capital backing.

2010 Hybrid Cars for Best Mileage and Lowest Carbon Footprint

Hybrids are in demand now that oil prices have doubled since March. Some 2010 hybrids have double the MPG of others. The third generation 2010 Toyota Prius tops the list with the best fuel economy and lowest carbon footprint in the United States. Honda, Ford, Nissan, Lexus, and Chevrolet also made the Top 10 list.

Top 10 Low Carbon Footprint Cars (and one SUV) for 2009

The Clean Fleet Top 10 Low Carbon Footprint Passenger Vehicles include the expected (Prius) and the unexpected (an SUV). The vehicles are generally gas misers (in one case a CNG miser). Some are roomy midsized sedans and one is the king of legally parking where none of the others qualify.

Top 10 Low Carbon Footprint Four-Door Sedans for 2009

Four-door sedans have always been popular. In growing demand, especially by fleets, are four-door sedans with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions. The Toyota Prius faces new competition from the Honda Insight and the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

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