The Chevrolet Volt has been selected ahead of the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition and the Nissan Leaf as the 2011 World Green Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show.
To be eligible for the 2011 World Green Car* award, a vehicle had to be all-new, or substantially revised, in production and introduced for sale or lease to the public in quantities of at least 10 in at least one major market during the period beginning January 1, 2010 and ending May 30th, 2011.
Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry), aimed specifically at increasing the vehicle’s environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration.
The Chevrolet Volt is the first mass-produced series hybrid/extended range electric vehicle. GM developed it from a concept to market and largely meeting its original performance targets.
With the ability to drive 25-50 miles on electricity alone it will meet most drivers commuting needs mostly gasoline and emissions free.
After the battery is depleted, the ability to keep driving without having to wait hours for a recharge means that this car can be used anytime, anywhere. The EPA has rated the Volt’s mileage at 93 mpg in EV-mode and at 37 mpg in gasoline mode. It is reported to generate CO2 emissions of 52g/km and can be recharged by plugging into 120-240V outlets.
Previous World Green Car winners: Volkswagen BlueMotion (2010), Honda FCX Clarity (2009), BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics (2008), Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec (2007) and Honda Civic Hybrid (2006).
Other awards winners at the the New York Auto Show: Nissan Leaf (Car of the Year), Aston Martin Rapide (Design of the Year) and Ferrari 458 S (Performance Car of the Year).
Article Last Updated: April 22, 2011.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
