The year 2023 has come to a close, and we’ve got official 2023 sales numbers in. It’s time to finalize the CleanTechnica Car of the Year winners! This year, we have decided to do two awards — one for the USA and one for Europe. In this article, I’m including the finalists for the USA award and a poll for you to vote for your choice. Before introducing the cars and commencing the voting, let’s take a quick look at the rules.
The main aim is to choose the vehicle that will have the largest net positive impact on the world. This means selecting the electric vehicle that is expected to get the most sales and thus replace the most fossil fueled vehicles, or choosing a vehicle that is transformative and will influence the auto industry beyond its own sales alone. The focus this year is to pick the vehicle that is anticipated to have the most positive impact on the world from within the boundaries of the award region. The models have to have arrived on the market in the last two quarters of 2022 or the first two quarters of 2023. After considering the choices, it is time to decide the top choice!
The Toyota BZ4X did not receive as much attention on EV sites, but it had over 5,000 sales in the second half of 2023. It’s in the prime vehicle class most buyers want today and is priced at $43,070 with an EPA range of 252 miles. Does the BZ4X have the potential to change the world? It’s up for debate, and it’s for you to decide.
Key specs and pricing:
- MSRP = $43,070
- EPA Range = 252 miles (for the base model at the base MSRP shown above)
- Max Charging Rate = 150 kW
The Nissan Ariya falls in the same vehicle class and had more than 8,000 sales in the second half of 2023. Priced at $43,190, with an EPA range of 216 miles. Does the Ariya have what it takes to make a positive impact on the world? The decision is yours.
Key specs and pricing:
- MSRP = $43,190
- EPA Range = 216 miles (for the base model at the base MSRP shown above)
- Max Charging Rate = 130 kW
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV may cost more, but it still managed to score nearly 8,000 sales in the second half of 2023. Priced at $77,900, with an EPA range of 279 miles. Does the EQE SUV fly under the radar too much? It’s for you to decide.
Key specs and pricing:
- MSRP = $77,900
- EPA Range = 279 miles (for the base model at the base MSRP shown above)
- Max Charging Rate = 170 kW
The last but not the least is the Hyundai IONIQ 6. With nearly 10,000 sales in the second half of 2023 in the USA, priced at $42,450 with an EPA range of 361 miles. Is the IONIQ 6 leading the pack and has more influence and a bigger positive impact on the world? It’s for you to decide.
Key specs and pricing:
- MSRP = $42,450
- EPA Range = 361 miles (for the base model at the base MSRP shown above)
- Max Charging Rate = 239 kW
What do you think? Complete the short poll by clicking here or via the embedded poll below to determine this year’s CleanTechnica Car of the Year for the USA.
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