The problem with the Green Car of the Year

The Green Car of the Year Award is well focused on powertrain diversity, but is it really focused on sales? And, aren't sales the only way a green vehicles is actually going to help make the planet a little greener?

It might be green, but can it sell?

Powertrain diversity defines this year’s lineup, but not sales

Each and every year Green Car Journal offers up an interesting Green Car of the Year lineup, and in recent years, it’s been powertrain diversity that has defined the picks. And this year is no different.

But, too often the winning Green Car of the Year just isn’t a winning vehicle when it comes to sales, and sales are the only way that any green vehicle is actually going to make the planet greener.

Is something amiss with the formula?

For instance, last year, the Chevy Volt won the Green Award. Yet, when is the Volt going to be a big seller, especially without tax credits?

I’m not trying to disparage the Volt, but shouldn’t more focus be on vehicles that can achieve real change today? And, unfortunately, most winners of this award just haven’t sold well.

Consequently, maybe there should be two awards. Keep the current Green Car of the Year, but make sale’s potential — based on today — a key criteria. In essence, what’s the greenest car available that could actually have an impact in its segment amongst mainstream consumers?

Then also have another ‘Game Changer’ Award for vehicles that are more future focused.

Anyway, this year’s lineup includes the Ford Focus EV, Mitsubishi i, Toyota Prius V, Honda Civic Natural Gas, and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

Using my criteria, it boils down to the Prius V and the Jetta TDI, but I’d probably have to go with the V because I think it will offer more sale’s potential.

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