The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the SmartWay brand in 2004. The EPA works in collaboration auto manufacturers, auto parts companies, freight companies and more to help improve fuel-efficiency and reduce emissions.

SmartWay Vehicles Basics

The consumer automobile division of the SmartWay programs provides information on alternative fuel options, a list of SmartWay certified fuel-efficient vehicles and information on how making a greener auto choice can help you save money.

Green Vehicle Guide

SmartWay certifies vehicles based on an air pollution score and a greenhouse gas score. The vehicles are ranked from one to ten (ten being best); the minimum score in each category must be a six however the total score must be 13 in order to receive the SmartWay certification. The EPA took this a step further and created a SmartWay Elite certification to vehicles that score a nine or better in both categories.

2009 SmartWay Elite Models

SmartWay Elite certification can vary by state however only a handful of model year 2009 vehicles have received this certification on a national level. The CNG Honda Civic, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Toyota Prius have all received SmartWay Elite certification.

2009 SmartWay Vehicles

There are some surprises on the model year 2009 SmartWay vehicles list including the Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Tahoe and the Lincoln Town Car. These models received the SmartWay certification based on their scores while the vehicle was using ethanol. If standard gasoline was used, the scores were not high enough to receive this certification.

EPA’s Statement on Fuel Economy

“Vehicles with lower fuel economy create more carbon dioxide - the most prevalent greenhouse gas - than vehicles with higher fuel economy. Every gallon of gasoline your vehicle burns puts about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere because air has weight and mass, and it takes a lot of it to burn a gallon of gasoline. The difference between 25 miles per gallon and 20 miles per gallon can amount to the prevention of 10 tons of carbon dioxide over a vehicle’s lifetime.” (Source: EPA)

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