Nissan Leaf Wins World Car of the Year Title Just in Time for Earth Day

The world will observe the 41^st celebration of Earth Day Friday. This year, the Nissan Leaf made a huge win when it was dubbed the "World Car of the Year." The electric vehicle was selected by 66 journalists from 24 countries who said the new vehicle was a "gateway to a brave new electric world."

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn released a statement regarding the Nissan Leaf and its accomplishments: "It is a great joy that the world's first mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, has won the prestigious award of 2011 World Car of the Year. It validates Nissan's clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world."

According to the site Fuel Economy.gov, the Nissan Leaf is the most efficient vehicle overall, as it gets 106 miles per gallon in the city and 92 miles per gallon on highways. It's important to understand that when discussing electric vehicles, MPG stands for miles per gallon and can refer to gasoline or the equivalent of energy produced by electricity that is comparable to the same amount of gas.

The most efficient two-seater electric car is the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Cabriolet. The Cabriolet gets 94 miles per gallon in the city and 79 mpg on the highway. The average cost to drive 25 miles is $1.07, with the annual fuel cost running approximately $644. This is tied with the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Coupe, which gets the Fortwo's same 94 miles per gallon in the city and 79 miles per gallon on the highway. The cost to drive 25 miles and the annual fuel cost are also the same.

The most efficient minicompact car rated by Fuel Economy Gov is the Mini Cooper 4 cylinder, 1.6 L, Manual (6) Premium. The Mini Cooper gets 29 miles per gallon in the city, 37 miles per gallon in the highway and 32 miles per gallon combined. This is compared to the Mini Cooper 4 cylinder 1.6 L, Automatic (S6) Premium that gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway.

When it comes to choosing the most efficient electric large cars, the Hyundai Sonata 4 cylinder 2.4 L, Manual (6) regular comes in with 24 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway with a combined mileage of 28 miles. The cost to drive 25 miles is approximately $3.38, with an approximate cost of $2,030.

The Honda Accord is a 4 cylinder, 2.4 L, Automatic (5), Regular electric vehicle that gets 23 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway with 27 miles per gallon combined. The average cost to drive 25 miles is $3.51, and the average yearly cost of fuel is $2,103.

Electric vehicles are known for being energy-efficient and environmentally friendly and reducing energy dependence. They are a smart choice for those who are looking for a good alternative that reduces energy dependence yet delvers plenty of benefits.

Sources:

Wired.com Autopia

Fuel Economy.Gov