Nissan LEAF has been named 2019 Canadian Green Car of the Year (CGCOTY), and Jaguar I-PACE had been named 2019 Canadian Green Utility Vehicle of the Year (CGUVOTY) by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at the Vancouver International Auto Show.

There were certain requirements that needed to be met in the CGCOTY and CGUVOTY categories for entry into the Canadian Car of the Year awards program. Fuel efficiency, based on the entry’s size, powertrain, and purpose, was considered, alongside style, price-points, and vehicle category.

“It’s important for many Canadian drivers to be environmentally aware, and AJAC’s Green Vehicle of the Year awards help them to make the responsible choice when it’s time to buy a new car or utility vehicle,” says Mark Richardson, President of AJAC. “If they can save money on fuel while also driving a vehicle with low emissions – or no emissions at all – then everybody wins.”

Entries were tested and evaluated by AJAC journalists over months on different road surfaces and conditions throughout the year and during AJAC’s autumn Test Fest event. Scores were awarded based on various parameters–including recharge time, driving range, vehicle dynamics, market significance, and overall value–then weighted for relevance to the vehicle and the category in question. The winning score shows how well the vehicle will do in the market compared to its competition.

The winning vehicles, Nissan LEAF and Jaguar I-PACE, will be on display at the Vancouver International Auto Show from March 19 to 24.