The American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has announced its 'Greenest' and 'Meanest' vehicles of the year.
Each year vehicles are given environmental scores based on fuel efficiency and emissions standards, as well as new measurements for estimating the environmental impact beyond use, such as manufacturing and energy production.
Topping 2013's list is the Toyota Prius C, heading a top twelve 'Greenest' cars list that includes only two regular gasoline vehicles, and three plug-in vehicles.
The Prius C edges the Honda Fit EV into second place, followed by the Toyota Prius. This is followed by the plug-in Prius and Civic Hybrid.
Only two regular gasoline cars made the list, the Smart Fortwo, and the Scion iQ. Each gets a 'Green Score' of 53 compared to the Prius C's winning 58, scoring highly for their small size (meaning less materials in their manufacture) and ULEV II emissions ratings.
The only other plug-in vehicle in the top 12, the Ford Focus Electric, gets a green score of 52.
ACEEE also releases a list of 'Greener Choices', regular gasoline vehicles that score well in their respective classes. This year, the Honda Fit, Chevy Spark, Buick Encore and Ford Transit Connect Wagon all scored highly, among others.
Languishing at the bottom of the list--or top of the 'Meanest' cars list--is the Ford F-350. Its monumental weight, 11 mpg city economy and Bin 8 emissions grant it a green score of only 17. Even the 250 mph Bugatti Veyron hypercar ranks higher, with a green score of 19.
A full list of rankings can be found on the ACEEE's Greenercars.org website, as well as further information on the group's methodology for calculating green scores.
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