Each year, IntelliChoice conducts a comprehensive analysis of all green vehicles available in the general U.S. automotive market, in order to help consumers “choose their car wisely.” IntelliChoice explores the question of whether alternative-fuel vehicles make better economic sense for car buyers. For 2011, IntelliChoice looked at gas-electric hybrids, clean diesels, EVs and plug-in hybrids.

For the last 25 years IntelliChoice has analyzed ownership costs on all vehicles released in the U.S. There are seven areas that determine how much consumers will pay for a car beyond the sticker price. These factors are depreciation, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs and state fees. By determining a vehicle’s long-term ownership costs, IntelliChoice is able to assess which cars, trucks and SUVs offer consumers the Best Overall Value.