Yahoo published ratings of the top 100 "greenest" cars.
The 2006 HCH has the highest score, 87.
The 2007 HCH is next best at 86.

Why were they not the same?
What about the 2007 is less green than the 2006?
Also, why is the Prius rated only third since EPA gives it higher MPG than the HCH?


Here's the link:
http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center-...e2SAV1JNIF?s=1

 

Good find !

The 2007 HCH started its model life over the fall-winter cycle - perhaps that would mean that the lower average FE's and higher pollution per mile/km is higher. Perhaps the value will align itself after a full summer ? Just a guestimate.

From what I read, the rating is also derived from the production processes and the impact that the production of a vehicle has on the environment. I suspect, they are trying to insinuate that the Prius carrries a higher environmental impact than the Civic Hybrid because of the somewhat higher amount of exotic materials (Ni and others) that goes into it? According to them, this may be enough to reverse the slight operational/use green edge the Prius may have over the Civic Hybrid?

Anyhow, they provide the general explanation here:
http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center-...4RDjNtJNIF?p=1

Cheers;

MSantos

 

I heard some disgruntled Chrysler employee did the '07 study

 

Bush will burn for this.

 

MPG is only one part of the equation. Total emissions matter even more. IIRC, the Insight didn't qualify for any federal tax deduction/credit despite its super-high MPG, because its emission level didn't qualify it as a PZEV (or whatever) vehicle.