One of the Least ‘Green’ Cars Is an EV
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is a nonprofit research group. It’s released its annual GreenerCars report for 2024. The report ranks cars in the U.S. market based on how much they add to greenhouse gas emissions. For the first time, an EV is listed near the bottom.
According to its mission statement, ACEEE develops policies to reduce energy waste and combat climate change. It also offers independent analysis to advance investments, programs, and behaviors that use energy more effectively.
The GreenerCars report considers the entire life cycle of 1,243 light-duty passenger cars. This includes manufacturing, consumer use, and disposal. The group touts this analysis as more comprehensive than simple fuel economy when determining which cars best serve climate initiatives.
The Toyota Prius Prime SE, Lexus RZ 300e, and Mini Cooper SE snagged the top three spots. The top 12, in fact, are either hybrids or all-electic.
The group’s “Meanest List” includes models considered the least “green.” Most of the 14 vehicles flagged are large gas-guzzlers, like the Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and the Mercedes G-Wagon.
In spot 1,234 of 1,243, the GMC Hummer EV is the only fully electric car on the group’s “Meanest List.”
The ACEEE says on its report summary page that the Hummer EV’s placement demonstrates that “size and efficiency, not just fuel source, are important factors in a car’s environmental impact.”
The Hummer EV weighs a hefty 9,063 lbs, about 40% more than the Tesla Cybertruck. Its battery alone weighs 2,818 lbs, about as much as a Honda Civic. Obviously, vehicles that large, although electric, take tremendous resources to produce, charge, maintain, and dispose of. We somehow don’t think GMC will feel even slightly insulted by the Hummer’s “least green” designation. The monster SUV and its pickup truck sibling were originally built for military-level performance, after all.
Source: ACEEE
