Clean energy car site Green Car Journal’s roster of 2022 Green Car of the Year finalists reflects the accelerating electrification of the automotive industry. When the publication launched its award 17 years ago, combustion engine-powered cars were the standard, even for green cars, with non-plug-in hybridization available on a few models to boost their fuel efficiency.

The 2022 list of finalists is the GCJ’s first such group comprised entirely of battery electric vehicles. "This marks the first time in Green Car of the Year's 17-year history that all finalists are battery electric vehicles, and the only time a truck has made the Green Car of the Year field," said Ron Cogan, editor, and publisher of Green Car Journal. "In fact, electrification is so important to 'green' cars today that almost every 2022 Green Car Awards finalist includes a battery electric, plug-in hybrid, or hybrid powertrain option."

In addition to Cogan, Green Car Journal's annual Green Car of the Year winner is selected by a credible jury representing important energy efficiency and environmental organizations, plus celebrity auto expert Jay Leno and Green Car Journal staff. This year's invited Green Car of the Year jury includes Dr. Alan Lloyd, president emeritus of the International Council on Clean Transportation and senior research fellow at the Energy Institute, the University of Texas at Austin; Mindy Lubber, president of CERES; Paula Glover, president of the Alliance to Save Energy; Matt Petersen, president and CEO of Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator and advisory board chair of Climate Mayors; and Joseph K. Lyou, president and CEO of the Coalition for Clean Air.

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For an idea what to expect when the final winners are named, check this video of the winners from last year's award. 

To get an idea of the possible winners for 2022, click through our slideshow. The first five are the overall "Car of the Year" candidates, even though the category includes all vehicle types, and the next five are candidates for "SUV of the Year." The appearance of a very capable off-roader among the top green SUVs is a particular surprise to look for.