AAA’s Green Car Guide comes in a 160 page magazine, and reviewed 88 battery electric vehicles, compress natural gas-powered vehicles, clean diesels, hybrids, partial zero emission vehicles, and vehicles with high fuel economy. The vehicles were tested and scored by the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Centre in 13 categories such as braking, fuel economy, emissions, and handling. The magazine is meant to help customers in the market for green vehicles.

"Low-emission vehicles and hybrid choices vary in quality, price and size. The AAA Green Car Guide is one of our ongoing programs to help consumers navigate the wide-ranging green car marketplace," said Greg Brannon, AAA's director of Automotive Engineering. "AAA's expertise and history of automotive research with alternative fuel vehicles continues to benefit AAA members and the public today."

"The centre also has a long-term interest in helping motorists cut their fuel bills and clean the air," said ARC Manager Megan McKernan. "Green vehicles offer motorists a way to reduce emissions and save fuel and, depending on the choice of green vehicle, can help motorists save cash, especially when gas prices are high," she added.

AAA recognises overall “Green Car” and “Best Value” winners, and the Tesla took two awards – best overall and large car category. The Tesla P85D has a 253-mile range, but even with a 240-volt charger, it can take 12 hours to fully re-charge. Still, despite charging time, the Model P85D was the top-scoring electric vehicle, said McKernan.