Recharge Wrap-up: Green Car award for Volvo XC90, MN air better from biodiesel

Thu, Apr 7 2016

The Honda CR-V could return with a plug-in hybrid option. Expected to debut in the fall of 2017, the PHEV could use a 2.0-liter I4 plus an electric motor. It's possible that the new CR-V is being developed in North America, and will borrow design cues from the Honda Civic. There also could be a seven-seat version. Beyond that, details are pretty scarce. Read more at Hybrid Cars, and from Response JP.

UC Davis will present findings from a CARB-commissioned study on customer valuation of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Dr. Ken Kurani of the university's Institute of Transportation Studies will report on consumer attitudes toward ZEVs, and the differences between those valuations and market behavior. In Kurani's survey, respondents had the opportunity to design their own car with an in-survey game. Almost a quarter of people designed some sort of EV, including plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles. Read more from CARB, or at Green Car Congress.

Minnesota's biodiesel efforts have improved air quality. According to the American Lung Association in Minnesota, summer and winter blends of biodiesel have prevented the emission of 130 tons of particulate matter, 319 tons of hydrocarbon and 2,634 tons of carbon monoxide every year, as well as a total of 3.7 million tons of CO2 over the last 10 years. Minnesota requires a B10 biodiesel blend during the summer months, and B5 throughout the winter. Read more from Biodiesel Magazine.

The Volvo XC90 has received the Canadian Green Car Award for Most Efficient Three-Row Family Vehicle. Beating out the Ford Explorer 2.3-liter EcoBoost and the Honda Pilot, Volvo's seven-seat crossover was chosen for its mass market appeal, and a variety of qualities both practical and green. Judges look at value, fuel economy, emissions, performance and technology among other features. The XC90 is available as a plug-in hybrid with about 17 miles of all-electric driving range. Read more in the press release below.

Volvo XC90 Wins Canadian Green Car Award

The Most Awarded SUV Named Most Efficient Three-Row Family Vehicle

RICHMOND HILL, ON. (April 7th, 2016.) The judges of the 2016 Canadian Green Car Award announced their category winners today, with the Volvo XC90 winning the Most Efficient Three-Row Family Vehicle category. The other finalists in the category were the Ford Explorer 2.3-litre EcoBoost and the Honda Pilot.

This prestigious award recognizes vehicles that offer impressive "green" attributes combined with strong mass-market appeal. All vehicles were measured based on fuel economy, emissions and price as well as judges evaluations of vehicle performance, driving experience, value, innovative technology features and "green" qualities.

The XC90 will be among six category winners competing to be named the 2016 Canadian Green Car, an announcement that takes place April 15th at the Green Living Show in Toronto, Ontario. The Canadian Green Car Award is now in its fourth year and performs extensive testing and assessment by a judge's panel consisting of leading Canadian automotive journalists.

Featured Gallery 2016 Volvo XC90 T8: Quick Spin

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Related Gallery Honda CR-V: Spy Shots

News Source: Hybrid Cars, Response JP, Green Car Congress, CARB, Biodiesel Magazine, Volvo

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By John Beltz Snyder