Buyers who want "green" cars carefully read the fine print pertaining to emissions and gas mileage, choosing between battery-powered electrics (EVs) and gas-electric hybrids. Buyers who worry about job creation in the U.S. pay attention to where the car was built.
Thus, the Top 10 Green Cars of 2013 from Kelley Blue Book isn't entirely relevant for those who also want to "buy American." Four of the entries on Kelley's list were built abroad, including the Lincoln MKZ (Mexico), Honda Fit EV (Japan), VW Jetta Hybrid (Mexico), Toyota Prius Plug-In (Japan).
Any of the remaining six models on Kelley's list constitute a two-fer for the ecologically correct shopper who favors the home team.
2013 Nissan Leaf
Battery-powered. Nissan dropped the price $6,000 this year to stimulate sales. After $7,500 in federal tax benefits, the Leaf can be as little as $22,000. Range: 75 miles, 116 mpg equivalent.
2013 Tesla Model S
2013 Tesla Model S
Battery-powered. 265-mile range. Starts at around $52,000. 89 mpg equivalent.Battery-powered. 265-mile range. Starts at around $52,000. 89 mpg equivalent.
2013 Toyota Avalon hybrid
2013 Toyota Avalon hybrid
40 mpg equivalent.40 mpg equivalent.
2013 Ford C-Max Energi hybrid
21-mile range all electric. First 21, 100 mpg equivalent. Next 599, 43 mpg.
2013 Chevrolet Volt hybrid
2013 Chevrolet Volt hybrid
38 miles all-electric range; 344 miles on gas.38 miles all-electric range; 344 miles on gas.
2013 Ford Focus EV
2013 Ford Focus EV
Range 76 miles; 105 mpg equivalent.Range 76 miles; 105 mpg equivalent.