Trying to keep up with the automotive world can be tiresome, with new technology, models and events popping up all over the place. The efficiency side of things can be even tougher to keep tabs on.
To keep in check with all the latest legislation, manufactures are constantly looking for ways to make its vehicles more environmentally friendly, whether that is from a production line point of view or when it comes to exhaust emissions.
Although pure petrol and diesel vehicles are becoming more and more efficient, electric and hybrids are the real pioneering frontrunners when it comes to low emissions. With that, we thought it was a good idea to do a breakdown of some of the most interesting additions to the current market and update you on some of the newer models you may have missed.
The usual suspects…
Toyota Prius (hybrid)
The Toyota Prius is still renowned as one of the ‘go-to’ cars for efficiency, mainly due to the fact that it was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle to go on sale. As well as offering CO2 emissions as low as 49g/km and a claimed average economy of around 70mpg, the Prius is also renowned for its family-friendly practicality and versatility.
The Nissan LEAF (electric)
Similarly to the Prius, the Nissan LEAF was the start of a new breed, more specifically, the start of the electric car revolution – becoming the first mass-produced electric car when it hit showrooms in 2011. Offering zero CO2 emissions thanks to its electric powertrain, the Nissan Leaf can also travel up to 155 miles off a single charge – a figure that has recently increased due to new technology.
Practical family cars
Kia Soul EV (electric)
The Soul EV is one of the only electric cars that has a conventionally powered sibling, the standard Soul. The Soul EV may favour those who want something that is practical but also a little leftfield when it comes to looks.
Regardless of its looks, it can still perform when it comes to efficiency, with zero CO2 emissions and a potential range of 132 miles off a single charge. It also offers impressive kit levels, just like the standard Soul model.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid)
Mitsubishi seemingly rewrote the rule book when it launched the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. With CO2 at 44g/km and a claimed average of 148mpg, the PHEV offers the practicality of an SUV with the low running costs of a city car. Aimed at those who don’t want to lose out when it comes to style and go-anywhere character, the 4WD PHEV utilises electric and petrol power, delivering a potential range of 510 miles. Its 591 litre boot doesn’t go a miss either.
City dwellers
Volkswagen e-up! (electric)
Most will know of the Volkswagen Up! City car, but the all-electric e-Up! May have slipped under your radar. With compact dimensions, the e-up! retains the Up!’s charm but throws in zero CO2 emissions to boot. It also offers a range of 93 miles, which for those using it as an A to B city car is more than enough range for most driving. If you want a small car with a prestige badge, then the e-up! may whet your appetite.
Toyota Yaris Hybrid (hybrid)
The Yaris Hybrid is yet another foray into uber-efficient vehicles by Toyota, occupying its supermini slot. CO2 figures for the Yaris Hybrid start from just 75g/km and it claims to return an average of around 85mpg. With CO2 this low, the Yaris Hybrid manages to avoid road tax. It is also fairly practical with a 286 litre boot.
A bit of power…
BMW i8 (plug-in hybrid)
Electric and hybrid cars don’t necessarily have to conform to subdued performance figures and the BMW i8 is a perfect example of this. With a combined power output of 357bhp, the result of an electric motor and petrol engine, the i8 can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds. But what about efficiency? Well, the i8 emits just 49g/km of CO2 and it claims to return up to 135mpg. Aside to its performance figures, the i8 is also one of the most elaborately designed sports cars on sale.
Tesla Model S (electric)
Tesla is all about electric power – even the companies name is taken from a famed electrical engineer, Nikola Tesla. The Model S has become the poster boy for the carmaker, with its smart, saloon shell that houses a powerful electric powertrain that can produce up to 416bhp and cover the zero to 60mph in a scarily fast 2.8 seconds. On the efficiency front, it emits zero CO2 emissions and is good for a range of 260 miles off a single charge.
