In the market for a new car? Looking for the greenest model?

We recently adventured to the Philadelphia Auto Show to research for you. This year’s Auto Show presented the usual array of sports and luxury cars, classics and collectibles.

Among the typical gas-guzzlers stood a flagship green car for almost every company. Of the 60 cars on the floor, several models came with sustainable perks, whether it be fuel efficiency or light-weight carbon fibre materials.

Starting with the most cost-efficient model, the winner would go to Temple for a whopping $10,000.

Just kidding, sort of… An exciting corner of this year’s gallery was devoted to showcasing race cars built by local students who are participating in nationwide competitions.

The Temple spokesman explained how his team’s car was attempting to improve their fuel heater to maximize the efficiency of this gasoline-run car.  It was refreshing to see so much enthusiasm at the prospect of creating a more efficient and greener car.

But moving on to what is actually out and available today – for you to purchase.

Top 5 Sustainable Car Picks at the 2015 Philly Auto Show

Our top pick was the the BMW i8 because….

1. BMW i8

Well, the BMW i8 is sexy as hell for a green car. The luxury sports market used to just belong to Tesla, but not anymore. Although this car is at the opposite of Temple’s spectrum priced at $135,000,  they’re manufactured at factories that use wind power.

With a made-to-measure lightweight construction concept you have the perfect, and efficient, way to bring maximum sporty-ness and ingenious sustainability to the streets.

2. BMW i3

If you didn’t catch the hype from the the clever Superbowl ad starring Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel, you should be hyped now. Definitely the comelier brother, the i3 is much more affordable with a sticker price of $41,000.

Its innovative BMW eDrive power train was designed in the scope of the BMW Efficient Dynamics technology and is not only locally emission-free, but also offers an incomparable and near-silent driving experience.

3. Ford Focus

Ahh, the choices: an electric Ford Focus.

 I actually overheard one of the attendees say,

“Why do manufacturers choose their electric cars to be the unsexiest cars?!?”

The electric model comes with a specialty charging station (like many competitors) to have your car ready to go in two and a half hours!

It has an EPA-estimated range of 76 gas-free miles on each charge and engineered to reach a top speed of 84 mph.* The all-electric motor is designed to help reduce energy loss and heat generation, all while reducing your carbon footprint.

4. Toyota Prius

Ahh, what can we say about the Toyota Prius C?

Although the original Prius originated in the early 2000s, the “modern” Prius debuted in 2004. You know, the one that everyone recognizes in body style.

Recently, Toyota realized they want to call all of their avant-garde green cars Prius… so now there is a line of them, including an extended hatchback.

The 2015 Prius c has the highest city mpg estimate of any vehicle on the road today, perfect for city driving at the cheapest price. Thanks to its EPA-estimated 53 mpg, Prius C  ensures the fun goes farther. Besides, gas stations always look better when you’re driving past them.

5. Penn’s Racing Car

Another competitor in the student race, the 2015 REV0, recently participated in a Formula SAE competition in Lincoln, Nebraska.

This gas-free car is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 miles per hour in slightly more than three seconds. Penn Electric Racing, the student-organization behind the mechanics of this fabulous vehicle, is dedicated to improving and creating clean-energy cars such as this one.

Philly auto show 2015: My closing thoughts

Overall, it’s great to see a growing number of green cars on the market, showcased at Philly’s première auto event. The larger the selection of available sustainable cars – more people driving, right?

I just wish they designed the green cars a little more sexy than the status quo. We deserve to drive in style, too!

Readers, what sustainable models do you have your eye on? Tell us in the comments.

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