$2,200; Maryland, $3,000; Massachu- setts, $2,500; Michigan, $2,500; Penn- sylvania, $2,000; Rhode Island, $2,500; Texas, $2,500; and Utah, $750. The Prius Prime is a prime example


of the savings available. The acclaimed plug-in hybrid, with an electric range of 25 miles, starts at $27,100, before subsidies (starting prices are before des- tination costs). In California, it would be $21,100. This means this well-equipped plug-in hybrid is, for state purchasers, approximately $3,585 less than a base Prius liftback hybrid ($24,685). It’s a buyer’s market for green cars, as manufacturers incentivize them to meet federal and California fuel economy averages. Buyers are encouraged to act now before subsidies disappear. Hyundai is taking an interesting


approach with its green Ioniq line, of- fering, beginning this year, affordable battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hy- brid versions of the same midsized car platform. “This is about freedom for the customer—they can choose the level of electrification that fits them,” says Mike O’Brien, Hyundai vice president of corporate and product planning.


Great Green Choices Here are some more good choices.


Toyota Highlander Chevrolet Bolt


Battery electric: Chevrolet Bolt With the Bolt—GM’s first battery electric since the EV1—the buyer can get from zero to 60 miles per hour (mph) in 6.5 seconds from its 200-horsepower motor plus attain 238 miles of range from its huge, 60-kilowatt-hour battery, winning it 2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year, Green Car Journal’s 2017 Green Car of the Year and 2017 North American Car of the Year from a jury of automo- tive journalists. Prices start at $36,620, but subsidies can top $10,000.


Hybrid car: Toyota Highlander Mildly updated for 2017, the Highlander is the only three-row hybrid SUV currently available, making it worth considering. Good news includes a power increase in the 3.5-liter V-6 (to 306 horsepower), although there’s a small fuel- economy penalty. The hybrid is rated at 30 miles per gallon in the city, 28 highway and 29 combined. The bottom line cost starts at $36,270 without subsidies. Other worthy cars: The fuel cell-


powered Honda Clarity, Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Tucson (for southern Cali- fornians); any of the Ioniqs; the versatile plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt; and the quick BMW i3 and i8 and Tesla Model S if the budget allows.


Jim Motavalli is an author, freelance journalist and speaker specializing in clean automotive and other environ- mental topics. He lives in Fairfield, CT. Connect at JimMotavalli.com.


natural awakenings June 2017 15


Audi A3 e-tron


Plug-in hybrid: Audi A3 e-tron The power (204 horsepower) and zero- to-60 mph time capability is similar to the Bolt, but the A3 offers a more sumptuous cabin and Audi’s celebrated driving dynamics. The electric range is a mere 16 miles, but 380 miles total using the 1.4-liter, four-cylinder gas engine. Prices start at $38,900, but it qualifies for a $4,500 federal tax credit and some state subsidies, too.


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