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There’s been a lot of talk recently about ‘green’ cars and their benefits to both the environment and wider society and the drivers who run them. But what are ‘green’ cars and are they really a better option?

 

Green cars can refer to different things. Totally fuel free cars are ‘plug ins’, they are oil free and cut out the emissions that are linked with global warming as they are fuelled by electric battery cells.

 

An example of an all-electric car is the Nissan Leaf, recharged via the electric grid. It’s economy compares to nearly 92mpg, making it almost twice as efficient as the highly energy efficient Toyota Prius hybrid, which runs at an average of 50 mpg. Certainly, most green cars have far higher efficiencies and equivalent miles to ‘the gallon’ than traditional diesel and petrol cars.

 

This efficiency translates into far cheaper running costs in terms of energy and with the cost of oil and petrol ever rising, this is a significant win for many drivers.

 

When it comes to cost ‘green’ cars, whether electric or hybrid, tend to cost roughly the same as their petrol or diesel running counterparts when new but it is less easy to get them on the second hand market at good prices, as they are still relatively uncommon compared to traditional petrol cars.

 

Running costs of ‘green’ cars tends to be good – they are generally built with high technical specifications and known to be tech-led cars, rather than design-led. This leads to their maintenance being good and ongoing faults low.

 

Additionally, most of these cars will come with good warranties new and have a few years’ servicing built into their purchase price. It’s worth looking around for the best deals and entering into some haggling, particularly in the current economic climate.

 

The government offers grants and help to the industry to invest in greener technologies and subsidies, which should percolate down to the customer when buying on the forecourt.

 

Grants are sometimes available for consumers too and it’s worth looking out for these at the government’s annual budget announcement period, as new schemes may be introduced to encourage greener driving.

 

An example of this is the reduction and even lifting of road tax in the greenest fuel cars and electric or hybrid cars, which can be a significant cost advantage to drivers over time.

 

There are other advantages for drivers too. The reduction in pollution is a huge bonus and affects local communities and families who live and work in built-up areas. Green cars and technology help to build a sustainable future. Choosing a green car shows a commitment to halting CO2 emissions on a local level and ensuring a better future for the next generation.

 

The effects of pollution are serious even on a local level; the fine airborne matter released from diesel and petrol cars can contribute towards respiratory diseases, cancer and lung damage.

 

Chemicals such as nitrogen oxides aggravate conditions such as asthma and also cause acid rain. Also, with Sulfur Dioxide, the lungs can be damaged and its organic compounds are toxic and possibly carcinogenic.

 

Drivers can also seek to maximise the ‘green’ credentials of electric or hybrid cars by driving in efficient ways – such as accelerating gently, driving smoothly, rolling down windows rather than using the air conditioning and avoiding overloading the car by keeping the boot as empty as possible.

 

Certainly, it is likely that the drive towards greener cars is set to continue, as both government and public pressure insists that a more sustainable future is built. The current British government has already begun to establish its environmentally conscious credentials and many people are hoping to see incentives and legislation that continue to build on the options and availability for green car usage.

 

Article provided by MoneySupermarket where you can find great deals on car finance.