The LA Auto show is always the year’s most exciting when it comes to all things green and technology, so we scoured the 2016 show to find the best green cars both for #womenintech and for those women who love the latest eco technology.
Want to check out these cars for yourself? The LA Auto Show is located inside the LA Convention Center next to L.A. LIVE. It is open to the public from Nov. 18-27. Consider taking LA’s metro rail instead of driving. Exit either the 7th Street station (and walk about a mile south on Figueroa) or the Pico Station (directly across the street from the LA Convention Center). See AGL’s 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show Visitor’s Guide here or visit www.laautoshow.com
The one thing you get after listening to car speak for days at the 2016 @LAAutoShow #LAAutoShow is: Everything is going electric. From the first electrified minivan (see my review of the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid) to race cars, electric motors and batteries are being integrated into gas-powered cars like never before seen in our lifetimes.
Chevy’s 2017 all-electric Bolt won double awards at the LA Auto Show including Motor Trend Car of the Year and Green Car of the Year. Photo credit: Sheryll Alexander
All-electric vehicles (EVs) are taking the stage too. The best example of this is the multiple award-winning 2017 Chevy Bolt, which was just lauded with both of the LA Auto Shows’ top honors: Motor Trend Car of the Year and 2017 Green Car of the Year. The reason Bolt won these double awards is this brand new EV’s driving range is a whopping 238 miles per charge besting its competition by 100 miles or more. Bravo Chevy!
But how can you get into the eco transportation game? While walking around the LA Auto Show, we sought out the best green cars you can buy now, coming soon (late 2017 and into 2018) and give you a peek at some cool eco cars of the future.
Best Eco Cars You Can Buy Now
Some of the best eco cars #womenintech can buy now have been on the market for a while and, therefore, are road and time tested. In fact, we love our 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid as this mid-sized sedan is sexy outside and inside, comfortable, roomy, fuel efficient and gets good gas mileage for our daily commutes.
So, what can you buy to get in the green car game? Anyone can buy an all-gas hybrid, but what if you are ready for the challenges of real change with a plug in or pure EV?
Here’s AGL’s list of top plug-in cars (electric and gas motors that never stops) and EVs (electric only with limited driving range until recharged at an outlet or charging station) you can find on dealership showroom floors right now:
Chrysler’s new plug-in minivan — the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid — is truly a game changer in the family van market.
Chrysler unveiled its 2017 Pacifica Hybrid just before the show as “the world’s first electrified minivan.” A true plug-in vehicle, the Pacific Hybrid is charged electrically and also takes gas at the pump. The electric motor and battery together deliver 30+ miles in electric mode only and then this powerful, smooth and fun-to-drive family van switches seamlessly to petrol power for 530+ miles on a full tank and charge. Plus, this uber comfortable ride can come equipped with some of the world’s best kid-friendly second row bucket seats with what Chrysler calls its “Uconnect Theatre.” See our 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Review here.
Tennis super star Maria Sharapova poses with actor and racing enthusiast Patrick Dempsey along with Porsche executives to launch the new 2017 Porsche Panamera e-Hybrid Executive.
Porsche launched a hot new plug-in vehicle: the 2017 Panamera e-Hybrid Executive. This most lavishly-equipped plug-in sedan was the centerpiece of Porsche’s media presentation at the show with not one but two celebrities: tennis super star Maria Sharapova and actor and race enthusiast Patrick Demsey. Also, if you are a Porsche enthusiast, don’t miss visiting LA’s recently-opened Porsche Experience Center. Located in Carson (not far from LAX), the $60 million facility is the headquarters of Porsche Motorsport North America and includes exhibits, 4 miles of track and even a fine dining restaurant.
Hyundai reminded the world’s top auto journalists that it is now deep into the eco game with its 2017 Ioniq models. The hybrid and plug-in Ioniq models are now available in dealer showrooms while the Ioniq Electric won’t be here until spring 2017. Still, Hyundai took a big leap into the electric games with its good-looking Ionic brand of practical eco cars with sporty styling and loads of advanced safety and in-car technologies.
Cadillac unveiled its 2017 CT6 Plug-In Hybrid, which goes about 30 miles per electric charge and then switches to a classic V6 engine for 400 miles of driving on a full charge and tank. This new flagship CT6 eco plug-in sedan will be available in Cadillac dealerships this spring.
The 2016 Chevy Volt is still one of the most popular and affordable plug-in vehicles in dealer showrooms today.
Not excited about buying a first gen model car? These popular and now “eco classic” plugs-in cars and EVs are still all the rage, so don’t pass up checking out these models too: Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, Chevy Spark EV, Kia Soul EV, Fiat 500e, Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, BMW i3, BMW 330e, BMW X5 xdrive40e, Audi A3 E-Tron, Toyota Prius Plug In, Ford Focus Electric, Ford C-Max Energi, Ford Fusion Energi, Mercedes Benz B-Class Electric Drive, Mercedes C350 Plug-in Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-in Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz GLE550e, Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, Porsche 918 Spyder, smart electric drive, VW e-Golf, Volvo XC90 T8, Cadillac ELR, McLaren P1 and all three Tesla models (X, S, 3).
Cool Eco Cars of the Future
This year’s LA Auto Show revealed some of the future’s best eco cars such as Jaguar’s iPace, Cadillac’s Escala and the aforementioned 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric. See our photo gallery of these cool-looking eco cars from the 2016 LA Auto show below:
Jaguar enters the electric age with its space-like I-PACE EV concept SUV. Photo credit: Sheryll Alexander
Jaguar admits to “tearing up the rule book” with its I-PACE EV concept car. The I-PACE is Jaguar’s first all-electric vehicle and claims its newfangled SUV EV can go 220 miles on a full charge. Jaguar says its five-seat I-PACE will be on North American roads by 2018.
Cadillac introduced its future “flagship sedan” design concept with Escala. This low-to-the-ground, full-sized sedan boasts four oversized doors, 22-inch wheels and a highly modern connected interior.
The front grille and highly modern nose and windshield of Cadillac’s Escala Concept car make it an incredibly distinctive design. Photo credit: Sheryll Alexander
Need a refresher on why you should visit the LA Auto Show this year? Check out our Visitor’s Guide here. Happy auto show season everyone!
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