03 April 2020

10 Environmentally Friendly Cars

1. Audi E-Tron Estate

Motorists are guaranteed great efficiency with the Audi E-Tron Estate, plus a huge range of benefits for driving an all-electric car. With no road tax or congestion fees to pay, the E-Tron is a major money-saving vehicle, plus you can receive government grants just for the pleasure of driving it.

While it may be limited by the UK’s 50kW charging network, you can still enjoy great performance levels while also taking care of the environment. There are two models currently available from Audi, both with a two-motor set up delivering a total of 408hp and 665Nm of torque. And even though the car relies purely on electric power, the E-Tron can achieve speeds of up to 124mph.

E-Tron

2. Mitsubishi Outlander Estate PHEV

Back in 2014, the idea of an SUV plug-in hybrid was brand new, and the Mitsubishi Outlander Estate PHEV was the first car in the world to introduce itself in that format. It has since gone on to become one of the most popular environmentally friendly cars on the road.

The Outlander PHEV has great stats, such as the 157mpg and low 40g/km CO2 emissions. This Mitsubishi has also proven to be a big hit with business owners as it sits firmly in the lower band of company car tax, offering some great savings. For non-business drivers, the Outlander allows you to avoid congestion charges and road tax too.

PHEV

3. Jaguar I-Pace

The Jaguar I-Pace ticks a lot of the right boxes for any eco-conscious driver. This car offers great performance, a stylish body, a dynamic driving experience and zero emissions. Plus, it boasts a driving range of up to 292 miles per charge, which is pretty impressive.

When you put your foot down you won’t be disappointed; it only takes 4.6 seconds to get from 0-60mph. This Jaguar proves that electric cars aren’t slow and lumbering vehicles, and its near perfect weight distribution provides 696Nm of torque.

i Pace

4. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

With a top speed of 115mph, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is a car that will not let you down. Also available as an all-electric vehicle, it is a popular choice for eco-friendly motorists.

As a hybrid, CO2 emissions sit at 26g/km, so you can avoid congestion charges. Plus, the combination of the electric motor and petrol engine help to improve fuel economy, making this Hyundai ideal for cheaper driving.

Ioniq

5. Kia E-Niro

If you want an eco-friendly drive but also want a smaller car, your choices would have been limited. That is, until the Kia E-Niro came along. This car has managed to combine the two ideas into one, which gives a smoother design and a fantastic plug-in hybrid system that puts mpg efficiency over everything else.

Reaching an 80% charge in just 45 minutes and up to 282 miles from a single full charge, you will never have to worry about falling short on your journey. This Kia is the perfect car if you want a smaller, cost-effective vehicle for everyday commuting.

E-Niro

6. Tesla Model 3

Tesla cars have led the way in terms of environmentally friendly cars over the past few years with their innovative use of technology. If you want to go fully electric, the Tesla Model 3 is up there with the best of the best.

Of course, it releases zero emissions, yet thanks to the design, it can still drive up to 329 miles on a single charge. There are two separate electric motors that handle torque on both the front and back wheels. This allows it to immediately respond to changing road conditions in as little as 10 milliseconds. And if you want performance, the Tesla Model 3 is the ultimate choice, going from 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 162mph.

Model 3

7. Toyota Rav4 Hybrid

If you are looking for a car which offers impressive green credentials and supreme style, then the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid is for you. As well as its spacious size, this car offers a notable acceleration of 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds, with an achievable top speed of 112mph.

When it comes to fuel consumption you are looking at around 52mpg and CO2 emissions of roughly 102g/km. This Toyota demonstrates that not all SUVs are gas guzzlers and can still be environmentally friendly.

Rav4

8. Mini Countryman PHEV

The Mini Countryman PHEV sticks to the traditional retro style we have all grown to love over the years, but under the hood it is keeping up to date with other similar eco cars. With a fuel economy of 117.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 55 g/km, this hybrid is a winner in comparison to its petrol or diesel alternatives.

When it comes to practicality, the Countryman is hard to beat, as it is the largest Mini on the market. There are also plenty of options to personalise the car and make it feel like your own. It offers a range up to 25 miles when being used as a pure electric car, and it still offers plenty of tax breaks for cost-savvy drivers looking to save a few pounds.

Mini PHEV

9. BMW 5 Series 530e

The BMW 5 Series 530e somehow manages to maintain the same refined class and fantastic driving performance as the rest of the 5 series, but the plug-in hybrid does so while also being kinder to the environment.

As a pure electric car, this BMW has a range of up to 29 miles, with CO2 emissions at around 41g/km. If you use up all the available miles, you can switch to the 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine to keep you powering along. Putting your foot down as soon as you start the engine will let you get from 0-62mph in only 6.2 seconds, which can be done while keeping the emission rate very low.

5 Series

10. Land Rover Range Rover Sport Hybrid

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport Hybrid is a great alternative to the already popular Range Rover Sport. It upholds the style and performance levels drivers love about the car, while offering some all-important eco touches.

A large battery pack sits at the heart of the design, which will let you drive for up to 31 miles when in electric mode. As a result, fuel economy increases to around 91mpg in this Land Rover, while CO2 emissions drop down to an impressive 69g/km.

Range Roaver Sport

Benefits of environmentally friendly cars

The need to be environmentally conscious is more important than ever and that is changing the way cars are manufactured in every class. If you are not convinced that an eco car is right for you, read the main benefits below:

  • Lower emissions
    Greener cars have lower emissions, which in turn will help the environment and reduce climate change
  • Lower costs
    It can often be cheaper to run and drive an electric or hybrid car, as you will spend less on fuel. Plus, you can avoid road tax and congestion charges.
  • Tax breaks
    Company-car drivers will benefit from lower benefit-in-kind tax.
  • Sustainability
    Many of the new hybrid and electric cars feature sustainable and recyclable materials, which will reduce deforestation and help to prevent the destruction of natural habitats.
  • Inspiration
    By driving a non-fossil fuel powered car, you are telling everyone else you are serious about looking after the environment which makes others think about their own contribution.

If you want to drive an electric car, consider leasing. We have the latest eco vehicles available for affordable monthly payments. Browse the full range today and get the best deals guaranteed with our Price Match Promise.

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