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Buying a Greener Vehicle: Electric, Hybrids, and Fuel Cells
The choice of vehicle that you drive has a greater effect on the environment than any other choice you make as a consumer. There are enormous differences in tailpipe emissions and fuel economy, not just between different types of vehicles, but even within the same type. The following guide will help you buy a greener vehicle, whatever your personal needs. There are a number of choices for purchasing a green vehicle. Advanced vehicles offer the greatest environmental benefits. Cars and trucks powered by alternative fuels are an important stepping stone to clean cars and trucks. Even choosing a low-emission, fuel-efficient gasoline vehicle reduces the environmental impact of driving. To be green, a vehicle must substantially reduce two types of pollutants: - Smog-forming pollutants: Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons are the key ingredients of smog, leading to respiratory problems for millions of Americans.
- Heat-trapping gases: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary global warming pollutant. For gasoline vehicles, the higher the fuel economy, the lower the emission of heat-trapping gases.
Advanced Vehicles
These cars and trucks go beyond conventional combustion engines to offer the greatest environmental benefits. Battery electrics and hybrid electrics are on the road today. Fuel cell vehicles could be on the market later this decade. Battery Electric Vehicles
Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Fuel Cell Vehicles
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Greener Conventional Vehicles Battery Electric Vehicles
With no tailpipe emissions, these vehicles can be up to 99 percent cleaner than gasoline vehicles, even when power plant emissions are included. Fueled by renewable power, battery electrics are truly zero-polluting. Range: Although the first generation had a driving range of only 50 to 80 miles per charge, advances in battery technology are erasing these limitations. With newer batteries, the driving range is jumping to over 100 miles per charge. Performance: Battery electrics offer a quiet, smooth, and quick ride. Cost: The small volume of battery packs produced means a higher sticker price than comparable gasoline vehicles. But lower fuel costs and less maintenance due to fewer moving parts help offset the initial cost. And, as more battery electrics hit the road, sticker prices will drop. Availability: A number of battery-electric vehicles can be bought or leased, and the offerings will expand as clean air policies come into effect. If you would like to check out a battery electric before purchasing one, you can rent one in select California cities.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Although designs of hybrids vary widely, all improve upon conventional gasoline vehicles. By using an electric motor with a gasoline engine, hybrids blaze the way for the cleanest technologies. Range: The combined power sources allow these vehicles to reach equal or greater range than gasoline vehicles. The first hybrids to hit the road in America have an average fuel economy of about 50 mpg providing a long driving range. Performance: Already popular in Japan, hybrids offer similar or better performance than conventional vehicles. They are fun, responsive, and quiet. Cost: These vehicles are currently priced at around $20,000. Significant fuel savings will help offset any slight difference in initial price. Availability: Three hybrids are on sale throughout the United States. Most of the other automakers have announced their intention to market hybrids in the next several years. Honda Insight: 2-passenger sport coupe Honda Civic: 4-passenger small sedan
Toyota Prius: 4-passenger small sedan
Fuel Cell Vehicles
These vehicles create power through the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. Fuel cells can use a number of different fuel sources. Only pure hydrogen eliminates all smog-forming pollutants, but methanol also reduces global-warming pollution significantly.
Range: Fuel-cell vehicles will have the same range as today's cars and trucks. Performance: These vehicles will offer all the performance of conventional vehicles while lessening the environmental impacts. Cost: With no fuel cells close to entering showrooms, it is impossible to predict cost. But the major automakers are investing heavily in this technology, indicating their belief in its marketability. Availability:Already used in a few cities' bus fleets, the earliest this technology could enter the passenger car market would be 2003. In an effort to accelerate fuel-cell development, California has begun a demonstration program to test fuel-cell vehicles on California roads between 2000 and 2003.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), methanol (M85), ethanol (E85), and hydrogen fuels offer emissions benefits over gasoline. These fuels are particularly well suited for use in vehicle fleets. For the passenger car market, alternative fuels offer an important step toward a clean car future that combines advanced technology and clean fuel.
Greener Conventional Vehicles
Even if you are reluctant to rely on new technologies for your driving needs, your choice of car has an impact on the environment. Not all cars are environmentally equal. The biggest polluters are light trucks, which include SUVs, pick-ups, and minivans. These vehicles emit up to five times the pollution of the average car and achieve far lower fuel efficiency. If only a light truck can meet you needs, look for one with low emissions and high fuel economy. SUVs and minivans vary widely in environmental impact. For instance, the Mitsubishi Montero averages 23 MPG, while the comparably sized Isuzu Trooper averages only 17 MPG. When shopping for a new automobile, look for the least-polluting and most fuel-efficient vehicle that will meet your needs. The Green Guide to Cars and Trucks, an annual publication of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, is one of the best resources when balancing driving and environmental needs. | 
