Claremont Gas Prices Hover At $3 Auto Club Announces Top Green Vehicles

CLAREMONT, CA — Two Tesla models take prizes in the AAA Top Green Vehicle of the Year according to recent release. In a prize for Elon Musk's Tesla motor company, the 2017 Tesla Model X 75D was named Tuesday the AAA Top Green Vehicle of the year.

Despite lower gas prices, interest in electric cars remains strong with more than 30 million Americans likely to next purchase a green vehicle, according to the Auto Club.

Gas Prices have seen 11 increases in 13 days that pushed the average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County and Claremont to its highest amount since March 17 ended Tuesday when it was unchanged, remaining at $3.048.

The Orange County average price rose three-tenths of a cent to $3.032, its highest amount since March 17. It has risen 12 times in 15 days, increasing 3.4 cents, including one-tenth of a cent on Sunday and Monday.

The Orange County average price is 2.2 cents higher than one week ago, three-tenths of a cent more than one month ago and 19.6 cents greater than one year ago. But is that enough to have you going green with your next automotive purchase?

"With their lower ownership costs and compatibility with emerging autonomous technologies, electric vehicles are poised to be a key vehicle of the future," said Greg Brannon, the Auto Club's director of Automotive Engineering. "Tesla -- a standout in AAA's evaluations -- has helped widen the appeal of electric vehicles by showing they can be stylish, performance-focused and filled with cutting-edge technology."

The vehicle is highlighted in the 2017 AAA Green Car Guide, which is produced by the Automobile Club of Southern California and its Automotive Research Center.

According to the Auto Club, the top green vehicles of 2017 are:

• Tesla Model X 75D
• Chevy Bolt EV Premier
• Volkswagen e-Golf SE
• Lexus GS 450 F Sport
• Tesla Model S 60
• Ford F150 XLT Super Crew.

"While desire for green vehicles is strong, making the leap to an electric, hybrid or other fuel efficient vehicles can be daunting to car shoppers," said Megan McKernan, manager of the Auto Club's Automotive Research Center. "AAA's rigorous evaluations help take the guesswork out by providing an unbiased evaluation of these vehicles based on more than a dozen individual criteria."

Winners, detailed evaluation criteria, vehicle reviews and an in-depth analysis of the green vehicle industry can be found at www.AAA.com/greencar. The 164-page guide also can be found in local AAA branches.

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