2018 AJAC EcoRun shows off impressive fuel-efficient results

MONCTON, NB, June 29, 2018; The 7th annual Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) EcoRun continued its impressive record of fuel economy results in the province of New Brunswick.

Nineteen AJAC journalists from across Canada convened in Moncton to participate in the fuel-efficient driving event which showcased the latest and greatest offerings from a broad spectrum of automakers. Over the course of two days, those journalists piloted 19 eco-friendly vehicles that vary in size and engine to an average of 1.59 L/100 km better than the official Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) combined fuel economy rating.

"Each year, it's astonishing to see how well most vehicles perform when driven in a calm, fuel-efficient manner," explains David Miller, co-chair, AJAC EcoRun. "The findings at this year's EcoRun is a testament to the automakers for advancing not only alternative powertrains, but also the internal combustion engine providing consumers ample environmentally-friendly choices when deciding on their next vehicle."

The 2018 EcoRun ran the gamut of alternative powertrains including pure electrics such as the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf; plug-in and conventional hybrids including the Kia Optima PHEV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e; the Honda Clarity fuel cell and the Chevrolet Equinox were the lone hydrogen and diesel-fueled offerings, respectively; while highly-efficient gasoline options like the Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Kicks rounded up the pack.

Outside of the two EVs that managed the lowest fuel economy average at 1.8 Le/100 km, the Honda Clarity plug-in achieved an impressive 2.5 L/100 km, followed by the Toyota Prius Prime at 2.9 and Hyundai Ioniq plug-in at 3.0. The biggest difference makers when compared to the NRCan ratings naturally went to the pure gasoline vehicles lead by the Mazda6 that lowered by 2.7 L/100 km combined, followed by the Ford EcoSport at 2.4 and Volkswagen Jetta at 1.7.

The total drive covered 570 kilometres and had strategic stops for its existing charging infrastructure, road terrain, scenery and activities offered. Journalists tested various vehicles throughout southern New Brunswick including Sussex, Snider Mountain, Saint John, New River Beach and Saint Andrews, eventually ending the journey in Fredericton on Friday, June 22. All of the 19 vehicle results can be found on the EcoRun website: www.ajac.ca/eco-run/Summary_2018_A.asp

"We are very proud to spearhead the very first EcoRun in Atlantic Canada," Gaëtan Thomas, president and CEO, NB Power. "By having a network of fast chargers throughout our province, it gives electric vehicles owners the peace of mind they need by reducing range anxiety while travelling."

The event was capped off with the Canadian Fuels Association Green Jersey winner, awarded to the eco-friendliest driver throughout the event. For 2018, that honour went to Saskatoon's Jim Kerr, representing Exhausted.ca.

The 2018 AJAC EcoRun is supported by its main partners: Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Canadian Fuels Association, CAA Atlantic Club, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc., NB Power and Tourism New Brunswick.

EcoRun PRESS ROOM

A section on the AJAC EcoRun webpage has been set-up where you may obtain photos, fuel consumption summaries, video, quotes and testimonials. Please see heading MEDIA at http://www.ajac.ca/eco-run/

ABOUT THE AUTOMOBILE JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (AJAC)

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) is an association of professional journalists, writers, photographers, and corporate members whose focus is the automobile and the Canadian automotive industry. Collectively, our primary objectives are to promote, encourage, support, and facilitate professionalism in Canadian automotive journalism and to ensure factual and ethical reporting about the automobile and automotive issues to Canadian consumers. This is achieved through the work of our members and AJAC's annual vehicle testing and evaluation events, the Canadian Car of the Year Awards (CCOTY), Canadian Green Car of the Year Awards, Innovation Awards, and EcoRun.