There's a new buzz in the air when it comes to car shopping these days. The green car movement is gaining momentum, as automakers race to be among the first to bring electric cars and other viable, non-gas powered vehicles to consumers.
Here's your quick guide to Greener Cars 101.
Many of today's cars with traditional gas engines have been made more fuel efficient, to the extent that mileage ratings come very close to those of hybrid vehicles. If you want to drive greener, but the higher costs of hybrid or electric vehicles is a deterrent, a more fuel-efficient gas-powered compact may be a good first step for you.
A hybrid vehicle features both a conventional gas engine and an electric motor powered by a battery. Hybrids typically don't use an electric plug for recharging; the battery pack that powers the electric motor is recharged by the gas engine and by energy recouped from braking.
Many models are now "full" hybrids, meaning that the car is capable of using solely electricity when starting off, while coasting or driving at very low speeds (stop-and-go traffic, for example). The gas engine kicks in when the driver needs quicker acceleration, or goes certain distances.
Beyond getting more miles to the gallon, hybrids are also considered greener because they give off fewer emissions. According to a study by the American Council for an Energy- Efficient Economy, hybrids typically produce 29% less smogforming nitrous oxide than conventional cars.
Along with compact models, many car makers now have hybrid versions of their luxury and SUV models. However, the dual drive trains of hybrids also make them more expensive than their conventional counterparts.
So if you can afford the higher price tag, and want to be greener without sacrificing the features of a conventional car, or changing your driving habits, a hybrid may be a good option.
Developing a purely electric car is no longer an environmental pipe dream, but it's still a long way from being a reality for most drivers. Battery technology remains expensive and bulky, which limits the practicality of a purely electric car.
Automotive experts say that an even greater challenge facing electric carmakers is the mindset of U.S. drivers, who are said to have "range anxiety." Devoted to the notion of freedom on the road, American drivers balk at the idea of being able to go only so far before needing to stop for a lengthy recharge.
For now, electric cars remain a very small niche market and are difficult to come by. So, even if you are known to be an avid early adopter of new technology, with no concerns for cost, being able to purchase a purely electric vehicle may still be many months away.
Extended range electric vehicles (EVs) are causing quite a stir, an example being the launch of Chevrolet's Volt. Similar to a purely electric car, extended range EVs start with and use battery power exclusively for distances that range from 25 to 40 miles. When the battery runs out, the gas-powered engine takes over, solving the problem of "range anxiety."
Unlike hybrids, where the gas engine recharges the battery pack, extended range EVs are recharged by plugging into an electricity source, including plugging in at home or at charging stations.
Though this is often anticipated as an inconvenience, several test drivers reported that they found themselves changing their normal driving habits, and enjoying the challenge of determining just how long they could go without having to use a drop of gasoline.
You'll certainly need all the gas money you save, as extended range EVs don't come cheap. But if you have the funds and are comfortable trying new technology, extended range EVs like these are a great way to try electric, without sacrificing the key benefits of a gas-powered car.
Despite the recent, rapid changes in the automotive industry, experts anticipate even more dramatic advances in the years to come as automakers around the globe try to answer the question of how best to provide sustainable transportation for people worldwide. It's going to be an interesting ride.
| Hybrid | Extended Range EV | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Range | As far as a tank of gas will take you. Expect generally higher mpg ratings than non-hybrid counterparts. | Depending on make and model, extended range EVs can travel 25- 40 miles on the electric motor alone, before switching to the gas-powered engine. |
| Cost of Ownership and Maintenance | Cost to purchase is somewhat higher than the conventional counterparts. Dual drive trains (gas and electric) may be more expensive to maintain. | Cost to purchase can be significantly higher than conventional cars and some hybrids. Maintenance costs are somewhat unknown until there are more EVs on the road to provide data. |
| Safety | Must pass government safety standards. Some hybrids are Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.* | Must pass government safety standards. |
| Insurance | Typically, no special auto insurance required. The Hartford's "conventional" auto plans cover hybrid vehicles. | Typically, no special auto insurance required. The Hartford's "conventional" auto plans cover electric vehicles. |
| Driving Behavior | Hybrids drive like regular cars, requiring no behavior change. | Maximizing use of the electric motor requires advance planning. For example, running errands may require several short trips with time in between for recharging. |
* Honda Insight, Toyota Prius and Kia Soul.
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