For the seventh year in a row, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has ranked the natural gas-powered Honda Civic GX NGV the “greenest” car in America. This recognition was granted above all models – including all other alternative models, such as Toyota’s Prius, and even the Honda Civic Hybrid. Nothing but clean, compressed natural gas fuels the GX, reducing both urban pollutions and greenhouse gases.
The ACEEE ranks the cars based on a numerical “green score” which is calculated based on several factors including fuel economy, health-related pollution impacts, global warming emissions and estimated fuel expenses.
Honda has consistently been a leader in the production of alternative vehicles and this year is no different. They continue to be an innovative and thriving presence in the auto industry. In fact, Honda makes four of the twelve greenest cars in the country. “Honda’s rankings in the ACEEE study are emblematic of our commitment to lowering emissions and increasing fuel efficiency in all of our models,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "Honda continues to set the standard for socially and environmentally responsible vehicles with products like the Insight and Civic GX.” While the GX was the only CNG vehicle on the list, it proves that America has the ability to create sustainable vehicles powered by our own, domestic resources.
While the U.S. has not yet fully capitalized on the natural gas market, current legislation involving tax extenders for the purchase and conversion of natural gas vehicles continues to incentivize people toward environmentally sustainable and economically practical lifestyles.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, twenty-eight percent of America’s total energy usage goes toward transportation, which is almost entirely fueled by imported oil. Both companies and individual consumers are increasingly making the move to alternative vehicle vehicles and realizing the benefits, both long and short term, of America’s natural gas.
In order to achieve this ranking and the highly coveted Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle status, the GX must meet super-ultra-low-emission standards, carry a fifteen-year/150,000-mile warranty on emissions equipment, have zero evaporative emissions and include advanced technology components. Surpassing these qualifications has, once again, ensured Honda the nation’s greenest car, and left all of the others in the dust.
