The seven most eco-friendly cars of 2018

Eco-friendly cars have become the buzzword in the current decade. So far 2018 has been a special year for this segment as many of the nagging issues that plagued these cars have finally been resolved and vehicle maintenance has never been more straightforward. They are reliable, offer good value for money and look cool too.

Below is a list of seven of the most eco-friendly cars of 2018. They’re not all available in South Africa just yet, but it’s interesting to know what’s available out there!

1. Ford Focus Electric

One of the harbingers of the true eco-friendly cars, the 2018 iteration is no different. With a range of 160km to 200km, this hatchback is able to stand toe to toe with its gasoline-powered counterparts while producing zero emissions. The only thing holding this car back is its availability and cargo space.

2. Toyota Prius Eco

The original eco-friendly car that ruled the roost for many years, this was the car that made“eco-friendliness” mainstream. It’s still a worthy contender in 2018. Offering better range between charges and backed by years of solid reputation with easy auto maintenance, this is a great car to consider if you want a tried and tested option.

3. Chevrolet Bolt EV

If mileage is the most important criteria by which you want to judge the car then this is it. Offering a range of 380km, this car pretty much “cleans up”. It’s one of the most popular eco-friendly cars and it regularly outsells every other electric car out there. It’s also one of the most practical cars as its sub-compact size makes it easy to drive and park.

4. Tesla Model 3

Tesla is perhaps the most serious contender when it comes to eco-friendly cars. While the company is still young, its cars have captured a good share of the EV market in a very short period of time. Offering great mileage, driveability, and support in an aesthetically pleasing package, this car ticks all the boxes.

5. BMW i3 BEV

BMW was part of the reasonelectric cars garnered mainstream attention during 2017. It was with the launch of the concept 'project i' that many people began to take electric cars seriously. The BMW i3 BEV is the perfect electric counterpart to this car giant's famed line-up of gasoline cars. It’s one of the best looking green-cars and also one of the kindest to the environment. Backed by BMW's extensive service network and a comprehensive car maintenance guide, help is never far away.

6. Smart ForTwo Electric Drive

This cute two-seater is one of the most practical cars for crowded city living. It’s also one of the most economical cars due to its small size and low weight. While it caters to a very specific niche, as far as eco-friendliness goes, few cars are in the same league as the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive.

7. Hyundai Ioniq Electric

The Hyundai Ioniq Electric has been rated the greenest car of 2018 by multiple rating agencies, including the ACEEE. What is even more impressive is that this car is a stunner when it comes to looks with adequate cargo space and enough power to appeal to any motorhead. Years from now people will look at the Ioniq Electric as the car that changed the game and made eco-friendly cars a viable option for even the biggest car enthusiast out there.