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  2. Green Vehicle Guide
  3. Learn About Green Vehicles

Consider a SmartWay Vehicle

SmartWay mark with photo of car
Find SmartWay Vehicles

Did you know there are tax credits for All-Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles?  Check out fueleconomy.gov’s tax incentive page.  Save money, avoid trips to the gas station, and help the environment. Don’t forget to look for state incentives too!

Finding Environmentally Friendly Vehicles the SmartWay

Purchasing the most environmentally friendly vehicle has never been easier. To save fuel, money and the environment, just look for the SmartWay mark.

What are SmartWay Certified Vehicles?

Each model year, EPA rates every new car, truck, and Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) for greenhouse gas and smog-forming emissions on scales of 1-10. To earn the SmartWay designation, a vehicle must receive a combined score from both scales that is much better than the average vehicle. SmartWay Elite certification is given to only those vehicles that attain the highest scores on both scales. SmartWay Elite vehicles are the very best environmental performers.

EPA updates the greenhouse gas and smog rating thresholds annually. We also periodically update the SmartWay criteria so that we can maintain our goal of certifying the top 20 percent cleanest, most efficient vehicles.

You can also visit fueleconomy.gov to find SmartWay certified vehicles.

Earning SmartWay Certification

SmartWay certification is based on the greenhouse gas (GHG) and smog ratings found on vehicle fuel economy labels.

Greenhouse Gas and Smog (Air Pollution) Ratings Required for SmartWay Certification

  • Model Year 2025 (pdf) (149.62 KB, June 2024, EPA-420-B-24-035)
  • Model Year 2024 (pdf) (85.2 KB, March 2023, EPA-420-B-23-023)
  • Model Year 2023 (pdf) (85.5 KB, April 2022, EPA-420-B-22-017)
  • Model Year 2022 (pdf) (84.1 KB, April 2021, EPA-420-B-21-022)
  • Model Year 2021 (pdf) (84.2 KB, April 2020, EPA-420-B-20-025)
  • Model Year 2020 (pdf) (115 KB, April 2019, EPA-420-B-19-018)
  • Model Year 2018 & 2019* (pdf) (480 KB, February 2018, EPA-420-B-18-016)
  • Model Year 2017 (pdf) (196 KB, February 2016, EPA-420-B-16-031)
  • Model Year 2016 (pdf) (200 KB, February 2015, EPA-420-B-15-019)
  • Model Year 2015 (pdf) (127 KB, January 2014, EPA-420-B-14-005)
  • Model Year 2014 (pdf) (221 KB, February 2013, EPA-420-B-13-013)
  • Model Year 2013 (pdf) (226 KB, January 2012, EPA-420-B-13-014)
  • Model Year 2011 & 2012** (pdf) (115 KB, January 2010, EPA-420-B-13-015)
  • Model Year 2009 & 2010** (pdf) (116 KB, January 2008, EPA-420-B-13-016)
  • Model Year 2008 & Earlier** (pdf) (233 KB, January 2007, EPA-420-B-13-017)

*For information on the significant shift in the SmartWay MY 2018 smog threshold, please see the Frequently Asked Questions on smog ratings.
**Prior to MY 2013, SmartWay was based on the greenhouse gas and air pollution scores found in an earlier version of the Green Vehicle Guide.

​Looking for information on the SmartWay program for freight movement? The SmartWay Transport Partnership program helps businesses move goods in the cleanest, most efficient way possible.

Related Information

  • Greenhouse Gas Rating Details

  • Smog Rating Details

  • Why are there different ratings for smog and greenhouse gases?

Green Vehicle Guide

  • Learn About Green Vehicles
    • What is a Green Vehicle?
    • Consider a SmartWay Vehicle
    • EVs and Plug-In Hybrid EVs
    • EV Charging - The Basics
    • EV Charging – The Details
    • Setting up Home EV Charging
    • Tips for EV Drivers
    • EV Myths
    • EV Testing
    • Hydrogen in Transportation
  • Help Make Transportation Greener
    • Compare Your Gas Car to an EV
    • True Cost of Car Ownership
    • Buy Green / Save Green
    • We've Done Big Things. We Can Do Big Things.
    • Promoting Green Vehicles
    • Advanced Gas and Diesel Vehicles
  • Vehicles, Greenhouse Gases & Smog
    • Smog Vehicle Emissions
    • GHG Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle
    • Fast Facts on Transportation GHG Emissions in the US
    • Routes to a Lower GHG Transportation Future
    • Automotive Trends Report
    • 50 Years of Automotive Trends
  • Fuel Economy
    • Learn about the Fuel Economy Label
    • How MPG Affects Fuel Costs
    • Your Mileage May Vary
    • Testing at Our Lab
  • Transportation Down the Road
    • Self-Driving Vehicles
    • Shared Mobility
    • What if: Ideas for Reducing Transportation GHG
  • Find a SmartWay Vehicle
  • Sign up for E-Updates
Contact Us About the Green Vehicle Guide
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 11, 2025
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