Green Car Journal has been documenting the evolution of light-duty, personal use transportation over the past three decades. A lot has changed over the years, with fuel efficiency now reaching previously-unexpected levels and electric cars achieving surprising momentum. While environmentally friendly vehicle choices have expanded greatly, the same can’t be said of commercial transportation. But there is significant movement in the form of electric trucks and potentially commercial vehicles running on hydrogen.
Today, legacy truck makers and smaller start-ups alike see the imperative to clean up commercial transportation. Chalk it up to increasing government regulation and the recognition that mitigating carbon emissions and climate change must be resolved on all levels. Not to mention, in these days of extraordinarily high fuel prices and petroleum supply volatility there is even greater reason to look toward new and cleaner answers for motor vehicles of all classes. Larger commercial vehicles are now part of the momentum.
Green Car Journal’s prestigious Green Car Awards™ have been recognizing new vehicle models exhibiting laudable environmental achievement for the past 17 years. Deserving light-duty vehicles were recognized in eight popular categories earlier in the 2022 model year auto show season. Now, it’s time to turn attention to the next frontier: medium- and heavy-duty commercial trucks.
While the mind’s eye can conjure images of large diesel trucks emitting plumes of soot from years past, this has been changing for the better through the application of advanced emissions technologies and alternative fuels. Now, there’s movement afoot to remake the image of medium- and heavy-duty trucks through electrification. The result? Silent, zero-carbon, powerful trucks running exclusively on batteries and electric motors, charging up in lieu of fueling with liquid hydrocarbons.
There’s no better example of this than Volvo’s zero-emission VNR Electric, a battery powered model that’s been undergoing trials through the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) program over the past several years, conducted in partnership with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and a dozen other organizations. The result is the new production Volvo VNR Electric, Green Car Journal’s 2022 Commercial Green Truck of the Year™.
The Class 8 Volvo VNR Electric, based on Volvo Trucks’ popular VNR model, aims to provide a sustainable transportation strategy to fill local and regional distribution, pickup, and delivery needs. Power is provided by a 455 horsepower electric motor featuring 4,051 lb-ft peak torque that’s coupled to a two-speed I-Shift automatic transmission. Top speed is 68 mph. It’s available with six-battery pack options that provide up to a 275 mile driving range and comes with fast-charge capability that enables gaining up to 80 percent state-of-charge within 60 to 90 minutes. The VNR Electric is available in five straight truck and tractor configurations.
There’s significant competition out there in the evolving field of ‘greener’ commercial trucks with environmental leadership exhibited in many high-profile ways. The following models are standouts being honored with Green Car Journal’s 2022 Green Car Product of Excellence™ award.
Freightliner eCascadia: This Class 8 electric truck is intended for short haul or last-mile delivery, regional deliver, and drayage. It features 500 horsepower and a 250 mile range.
International eMV: An electrified version of International’s proven MV medium-duty truck, the eMV features 215 continuous horsepower, a 135 mile range, and DC fast-charge capability.
Kenworth T680E: Available as a Class 8 tractor or straight truck, the zero-emission T680E features 536 horsepower, 1623 lb-ft torque, and a 150 mile electric driving range.
Lion Electric Lion6: The Lion6 is a Class 6 urban electric truck featuring 335 horsepower, 1800 lb-ft torque, a 252 kWh battery, and a driving range of up to 200 miles.
Mack LR Electric: The next-generation Mack LR Electric is a Class 8 truck aimed at refuse and recycling duty. It has a 376 kWh battery and twin electric motors producing 448 horsepower.
Nikola Tre BEV: Nikola’s Tre BEV is an all-electric Class 8 tractor for regional applications featuring 645 horsepower, a 753 kWh battery pack, and an operating range up to 350 miles.
Peterbilt 579EV: The 579EV is a Class 8 Day Cab configuration intended for short haul and drayage operations. It features 536 electric horsepower, a 396 kWh battery, and 150 mile range.
SEA Hino M5 EV: Sea Electric’s Hino truck-based M5 EV Class 5 electric truck integrates the company’s electric SEA-Drive Power System to provide 110 horsepower and a 200 mile range.
This year’s San Antonio Auto & Truck Show in Texas highlighted environmental achievement by commercial vehicles, trucks, and performance cars, vehicle classes rarely noted as ‘green’ by nature in years past. This has changed dramatically in recent times, prompting Green Car Journal’s acknowledgement of these forward-thinking vehicles through its Green Car Awards program at the show, complementing the increasingly ‘green’ models featured on the show floor.
Taking home honors for 2018 Commercial Green Car of the Year™ was Ford’s Police Responder Hybrid. 2018 Green Truck of the Year™ was awarded to the Chevrolet Colorado, while the Mazda MX-5 Miata earned the first-ever 2018 Performance Green Car of the Year™. Along with the Colorado, 2018 Green Truck of the Year™ finalists included the Ford F-150, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, and Toyota Tacoma. Considered with the Ford Police Responder Hybrid for 2018 Commercial Green Car of the Year™ were finalists Ford F-250 Super Duty, Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and RAM ProMaster City. Vying for 2018 Performance Green Car of the Year™ along with the Mazda MX-5 Miata were the Acura NSX, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Honda Civic Type R.
As the first pursuit-rated hybrid police car, Ford’s Police Responder Hybrid promises to bring significantly greater fuel efficiency and environmental performance to police department fleets across the nation. Based on the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Police Responder Hybrid is expected to deliver 38 combined mpg and a few miles of ‘stealth’ driving on batteries. When parked, the battery pack allows the engine to shut off for brief periods while keeping the car’s electronics running, saving fuel and decreasing emissio
Chevrolet’s Colorado mid-size pickup offers nearly the same capacity, functionality, and features as this automaker’s full-size pickup, but with a more compact form and shorter turning radius that makes it easier to maneuver and park in tight city environs. Along with being a workhorse, it’s also civilized with its handsome design, array of advanced on-board electronics, and optional seating that accommodates up to five. Importantly, with its available Duramax Turbodiesel the Colorado delivers up to 30 highway mpg, the best in the segment.
Mazda’s extensively-redesigned, fourth-generation MX-5 Miata offers a sporty and fun driving experience in roadster and new RF retractable fastback form. This lightweight two-seat sports car is powered by a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV engine with a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed Sport automatic, delivering 155 horsepower and achieving up to 35 highway mpg. Long a favorite of sports car enthusiasts, the Miata has also been popular in amateur spec racing.
For years, automakers have focused on designing and building mainstream sedans, hatchbacks, and even crossover vehicles offering greater efficiency and improved environmental performance. An expanding ‘green’ focus on workhorse vehicles like pickups and light commercial vehicles, and now even performance cars, means buyers in these segments have increasing opportunities to drive ‘green’.
The Ram ProMaster City compact commercial van and wagon, awarded Green Car Journal’s 2017 Commercial Green Car of the Year™ at the 2016 San Antonio Auto & Truck Show, is ideally-sized for city use where maneuverability and versatility are key. The ProMaster City’s strong suit is offering the hauling and commercial-use capabilities desired by tradesmen, small businesses, and fleets combined with 21 city and class-leading 28 highway mpg. Both van and wagon iterations are powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine with efficiency-enhancing Multiair technology. A nine-speed speed automatic transmission is standard.
Interior space, important in commercial vans, is quite generous considering this Ram's compact exterior dimensions that are in tune with intended use in urban traffic. The floor between rear wheel wells is 48.4 inches, which means the pallets often used in commercial operations can be accommodated. Interior width above the wheel wells is a generous 60.4 inches.
The ProMaster City is equipped with two sliding side doors and rear 60/40 split doors that swing open to a maximum 180 degrees using a release button. The narrower rear door is positioned on the curb side, so curb access isn’t blocked when making deliveries. Access to the ProMaster City’s class-leading 131.7 cubic foot cargo area is simplified with the combination of these side and rear doors. Further functionality is provided with a payload capacity of 1,883 pounds and tow rating of 2,000 pounds.
ProMaster City’s Fiat-developed 2.4-liter Chrysler Tigershark four-cylinder is a rather sophisticated engine, at least by truck standards. Also used in other Chrysler products like the Chrysler 200, Dodge Dart, and Jeep Cherokee and Renegade, the engine features variable valve timing, variable valve lift technology, and a 10.0:1 compression ratio as well as Fiat's advanced Multiair technology. Chrysler is claiming a 0-30 mph time of 3.7 seconds, meaning more than adequate urban performance.
Drivers are provided a standard Uconnect 3.0 AM/FM radio that includes a media hub with USB and an auxiliary input. An optional package adds Uconnect 5.0 AM/FM with a five-inch touchscreen display, GPS navigation, integrated voice command with Bluetooth, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. A Mopar Web Wi-Fi hotspot is optional to accommodate on-the-job connectivity.
Ram’s ProMaster City Tradesman Cargo Van starts at $23,495 with a multitude of work-related configurations available. The ProMaster City Wagon’s price of entry is an additional $1,000.
Focusing on the unique combination of hard-working functionality and environmental achievement, the Green Car Awards™ at the San Antonio Auto & Truck Show recognize vehicles that do the heavy lifting in real life while also keeping an eye on lower emissions, higher efficiency, and overall environmental improvement. This year, emerging on top for Green Car Journal’s 2017 Commercial Green Car of the Year™ is the Ram ProMaster City, the second year in a row this light commercial vehicle has earned the honor. Honda’s all-new Ridgeline is distinguished as the magazine’s 2017 Green Truck of the Year™.
Along with the Honda Ridgeline, finalists for this year’s 2017 Green Truck of the Year™ included the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford F-250 Super Duty, GMC Canyon, and Ram 1500. Vying for the 2017 Commercial Green Car of the Year™ along with the Ram ProMaster City were the Ford F-250 Super Duty, Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Nissan Titan XD.
The Ram ProMaster City compact commercial van and wagon are ideally-sized for city use where maneuverability and versatility are key. The model’s strong suit is offering the hauling and commercial-use capabilities desired by businesses and fleets while also addressing the efficiency that has a direct impact on the bottom line.
ProMaster City is powered by a Fiat-derived 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine that benefits from efficient Multiair technology. Its 178 horsepower is delivered to the road via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The combination provides an impressive 21 city and class-leading 29 highway mpg.
Honda’s all-new second generation Ridgeline returns to American highways with a design that’s more truck-like and refined at the same time. The model’s signature unibody construction delivers a smooth car-like ride unsurpassed in the pickup field, providing the functionality needed by most truck buyers with the ability to carry a 1500 pound load, tow up to 5,000 pounds, and transport five occupants in comfort. Its 280 horsepower V-6 provides satisfying acceleration and 26 mpg highway fuel efficiency.
Green Car Journal editors weigh the merits of all potential vehicles through its vetting process and narrow down the field to five candidates, which are then considered by the Green Car Awards™ jury. Jurors are veteran writers and editors in the light truck field, having served on staff at publications like 4 Wheel & Off Road, PV4, Hot Rod’s Pickups, Hot Rod Vans, Pickups & Mini-Trucks, and Vans & Trucks, plus auto buff magazines including Motor Trend, Hot Rod, Car Craft, Popular Hot Rodding, and others. All have owned and tested myriad pickup and van models over the years, which allows a keen perspective on the attributes and nuances that make for great pickups and vans that serve both personal and business uses.
Green Car Journal has announced finalists for the magazine’s high-profile 2017 Green Truck of the Year™ and Commercial Green Car of the Year™ awards that will be presented at the San Antonio Auto & Truck Show in San Antonio, Texas. These important awards honor pickups and light commercial vehicles that raise the bar in environmental performance in a variety of areas including efficiency, emissions reduction, and overall environmental improvement.
Both light- and heavy-duty models made the cut this year to become finalists for 2017 Green Truck of the Year™ including the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford F-250 Super Duty, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, and RAM 1500.
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickups feature a new and efficient V-6 for 2017 to round out powertrain choices including an inline-four and high-mpg turbodiesel. The RAM 1500 continues to impress with its functionality and myriad options including an EcoDiesel motor achieving the highest mpg in its class. Honda’s all-new Ridgeline exemplifies Honda’s approach to efficiency and technology with a handsome and driver-friendly new pickup design and plenty of tech. Ford sets itself apart from the crowd yet again by continuing its integration of lightweight aluminum construction for the body and cab of its F-250 Super Duty pickup.
Finalists for 2017 Commercial Green Car of the Year™ include both smaller and more efficient vans including the Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and RAM ProMaster City, plus heavy-duty pickups including the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Nissan Titan XD. The Ford Transit Connect, RAM ProMaster City, and Mercedes-Benz Metris deliver an efficient and highly-functional answer to the needs of businesses with higher fuel economy and easy urban maneuverability. Ford’s F-250 Super Duty brings greater efficiency to the heavy-duty pickup market with lighter weight achieved with an aluminum body and pickup box, while Nissan’s Titan XD delivers efficiency with its turbodiesel powerplant and design that aims to provide a light-duty pickup driving experience in a heavy-duty truck.
These Green Car Awards recognize pickups and light commercial vehicles that do the heavy lifting in everyday life while leading the way toward greater environmental compatibility. Importantly, award finalists achieve this without sacrificing the core capabilities expected from these highly-functional vehicles. It’s notable that after years of environmental focus on passenger vehicles, pickups and light commercial vehicles are now enjoying a similar focus on environmental improvement.
The San Antonio Auto & Truck Show, recognized as South Texas' premier automotive event that highlights the auto industry's newest innovations, will host Green Car Journal’s announcement of 2017 Green Truck of the Year and 2017 Commercial Green Car of the Year winners on November 10.
Green Car Journal has selected Ram’s ProMaster City as its inaugural 2016 Commercial Green Car of the Year™ and Ford’s F-150 as its 2016 Green Truck of the Year™. The awards were presented at a press conference held at the 2015 San Antonio Auto & Truck Show in San Antonio, Texas.
Nominees for Commercial Green Car of the Year™ also included the Chevrolet City Express, Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Nissan NV200, while finalists for Green Truck of the Year™ included the Chevrolet Colorado Duramax, GMC Canyon Duramax, Nissan Titan XD, and Toyota Tacoma. While hard-working functionality remains a cornerstone for models like these aimed at business and personal use, the added benefit of higher fuel economy, lower carbon emissions, and greater environmental compatibility is crucial to a more compatible motoring future.
Ram’s award-winning ProMaster City is a new addition to the growing compact van field that champions increased efficiency and urban maneuverability. It comes in wagon and cargo versions with the ability to tow up to 2000 pounds. Power is provided by an efficient 178 horsepower, 2.4-liter aluminum block Tigershark engine already well-proved in Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models. Offering a base price of $23,130, the ProMaster City’s EPA rating of 21 city/29 highway mpg is enhanced by the first-ever use of a nine-speed transmission in a commercial van.
The ProMaster City carries up to 1,883 pounds or 131.7 cubic feet of cargo and features a cargo-friendly 48.8 inches between interior wheel wells. A Uconnect 5.0 audio and multimedia system featuring a five-inch touchscreen, integrated voice command with Bluetooth, and steering wheel audio controls is available.
Ford’s F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in America for well over three decades. In its new generation it shed a considerable 700 pounds through the use of a military-grade all-aluminum body and high-strength steel chassis, improving both fuel efficiency and overall performance while offering a reasonable base price of $26,430. Its 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 allows this pickup to achieve up to 26 mpg on the highway. The F-150 also offers a gaseous fuel prep package that allows running on cleaner burning natural gas or propane.
The F-150 features SYNC 3, Ford’s newest communications and entertainment system that delivers enhanced voice recognition and a capacitive touch screen. With the F-150’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology, a driver steers a trailer instinctively by turning a knob left or right to indicate direction, then backs up as the truck controls its steering and limits vehicle speed.
As part of its finalists vetting process, Green Car Journal evaluates the environmental achievement of pickups and light-duty commercial vehicles along with their all-important functionality. Vehicles running on all fuels and technologies are considered. Market significance, ‘newness’, and other important criteria are weighed as the field is narrowed to five finalists for each award.
The 47th annual San Antonio Auto & Truck Show was presented by the San Antonio Automobile Dealers Association at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Each year, the show highlights the auto industry’s newest innovations and is recognized as South Texas’ premier automotive event.
