Is a “Green” Vehicle For You?

Take a look at all the options

By Larry Chase
The Green Car Guide is now available at both Andover libraries thanks to a donation by AAA of Northern New England. Photo: Larry Chase

Thinking about purchasing or leasing a vehicle that burns less gasoline(or none at all) – either to save money, or because of environmental concerns, or both? Then take a close look at the 2017 edition of the American Automobile Association’s “Green Car Guide,” now available in both of Andover’s public libraries.

Donated to the Andover Energy Group by the Concord-based AAA of Northern New England, the guide is a 160-page compendium of information about all kinds of “green” vehicles: hybrids, electrics, flexible fuels, diesels, and PZEVs (partial zero emission vehicles).

Background information is provided for each variety, and the differently powered vehicles are grouped for comparison by vehicle body type: subcompact, compact, midsize, large, pickups and SUVs. An overall scorecard ranks the vehicles tested from 1 to 65 based on test results. The top-ranking five: Tesla Model X, Volvo XC 90 T-8 E-AWD, Chevrolet Bolt EV, and Tesla Model S 60.

Other chapters provide valuable information on topics such as “Choosing the right vehicle for you,” “What’s on the horizon,” “How safe is your vehicle,” and “Saving fuel when you drive.”

If the guide (pictured) is not prominently displayed when you enter the library, just ask the librarian where to find it. It’s worth reading!