In recent years, green technology in the motor industry has really taken off. As people are worried both about the impact their driving is having on the environment and the financial cost of keeping a car on the road, the emergence of an alternative type of car is intriguing.
Whether you make the move to a hybrid vehicle or go the whole hog and opt for an all electric car, making the shift to green technology can change the way you use the road in a very positive way. Here, we take a look at the vitals, keeping you informed of all the basic when it comes to green vehicles.
What’s the difference between hybrid and electric vehicles?
A hybrid vehicle houses both an electric motor and a conventional internal combustion engine under the hood. It takes power from both of these in order to run the car, with the electric motor gradually taking charge from the petrol or diesel engine. An electric vehicle does not make use of a conventional engine, taking its drive power only from a high power battery which is charged between uses.
How are they green?
There are two main factors which we talk about when we discuss how environmentally friendly a vehicle is. We talk about how much fuel the vehicle requires and what its emissions are like. A hybrid car is able to use considerably less fuel than a conventional vehicle because it takes some of its power from electricity. It is also capable of achieving far better carbon emission levels than conventional vehicles. A new Hybrid Car should be able to achieve fewer than 100g/km.
Electric vehicles are even impressive. As they harbour no combustion engine, they require absolutely no oil based fuel and have zero emissions. All power comes from the on-board battery, having a negligible impact on the environment.
How much do they cost to run?
Any car whose carbon emissions fall below 100g/km will be exempt from UK road tax, as well as from the London congestion charge. This covers all electric vehicles and a great deal of hybrids. On top of the savings you will make here, expect your fuel bills to drop considerably. A hybrid car will be able to run far more miles to the gallon than a conventional vehicle, meaning less time spent at the pump and less money spent on fuel. Electric vehicles will cost you only the price of the electricity it takes to charge – again, a lot less than your current fuel bill.
Will I notice a difference?
When they first arrived on the market, these green alternative took some criticism for their performance. Today, manufacturers like Lexus are proving that there is no need to compromise on the enjoyment of driving when you opt for a hybrid. While all electric cars remain a better option for those who live in urban environment, recent advances in green technology have made hybrids vehicles very driveable.
