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James R. Cochran

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Fuels

Fueling the Future: Exploring Sustainable Fuel Sources

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man charging his electric car

As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, there is growing concerned about the use of non-renewable energy sources and their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. To address this challenge, there is an increasing emphasis on sustainable fuel sources that have a lower carbon footprint and are more environmentally friendly. Sustainable fuels can be defined as fuels that are produced from renewable resources and have a minimal impact on the environment. These fuels are becoming increasingly important as the world transitions towards a more sustainable future.

Sustainable fuels are also referred to as biofuels and can be derived from various sources, including crops, algae, and waste. They are a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels because they produce fewer emissions and are renewable. In addition, sustainable fuels can be produced domestically, reducing the reliance on foreign oil and improving energy security. In this article, we will explore some of the most promising sustainable fuel sources and their potential to power a cleaner and more sustainable future.

  1. Solar Power

Solar power is a renewable and sustainable energy source that harnesses the power of the sun to generate electricity. This clean energy source is becoming increasingly popular as the cost of solar technology continues to decrease. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops, in fields, or in deserts, making it accessible and versatile. Additionally, solar power is a pollution-free energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants.

  1. Wind Power

Wind power is another renewable and sustainable energy source that has gained significant traction in recent years. Wind turbines use the power of the wind to generate electricity, and they can be installed on land or offshore. Like solar power, wind power is clean, sustainable, and does not emit greenhouse gases or other pollutants. Furthermore, wind turbines can generate electricity 24 hours a day, making them a reliable source of energy.

  1. Hydro Power

Hydro power is a sustainable energy source that uses the power of flowing water to generate electricity. Hydro power plants can be built on rivers or in oceans, and they can produce large amounts of electricity. This energy source is highly efficient and produces no greenhouse gases or other pollutants. Furthermore, hydro power can be used to store energy, which can be released when demand is high.

  1. Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is a renewable and sustainable energy source that harnesses the heat from the earth’s core to generate electricity. This energy source is highly efficient and does not emit greenhouse gases or other pollutants. Geothermal energy can be used to power homes, buildings, and industrial processes, making it a versatile energy source.

  1. Biofuels

Biofuels are fuels made from plant materials, including crops such as corn, sugarcane, and soybeans, as well as organic waste, such as wood chips and agricultural waste. These fuels are sustainable, renewable, and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fossil fuels. Additionally, biofuels can be used in existing vehicles with little or no modification, making them a practical and cost-effective alternative to gasoline and diesel.

  1. Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Hydrogen fuel cells are an emerging sustainable energy source that uses hydrogen to produce electricity. Fuel cells are highly efficient and produce no greenhouse gases or other pollutants. Moreover, fuel cells can be used in a variety of applications, including transportation, buildings, and industrial processes.

In conclusion, sustainable fuel sources offer a cleaner and more sustainable way of meeting our energy needs. Fuels may be well known for powering vehicles but fuels aren’t limited to that use. You can certainly choose a greener alternative not only to the car fuel that you use but also to the other fuels that you use for other industries. The technologies discussed in this article are becoming increasingly accessible and cost-effective, and they offer significant benefits over traditional fossil fuels. While the shift towards sustainable energy sources may take time, it is clear that the future of energy lies in renewable and sustainable fuel sources.

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Industry News

Latest Features Of Electric Cars To Watch Out For

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woman charging her car while having coffee

It is no surprise that the electric car industry is booming. Nowadays, there are many different car manufacturers that are getting into greener options when it comes to their vehicles. They may produce hybrid models or they could also produce electric cars.

The thing with electric cars is that they are still a new technology. This means that there are new features and improvements being made all the time. If you are thinking of buying an electric car, then you should definitely keep up to date with the latest developments. This way, you can be sure that you are getting a car that has all the latest features like these:

Fast Charging

One of the latest developments in the electric car industry is fast charging. This is a feature that allows you to charge your car much more quickly than before. In some cases, it can take as little as 30 minutes to get a full charge. This is great news if you are someone who likes to travel long distances or if you simply do not have a lot of time to spare.

Range Anxiety

Another latest development is that car manufacturers are starting to address the issue of range anxiety. This is the fear that you will run out of charge while you are out and about. Many electric cars now have a much longer range than they did in the past. This means that you can travel further without having to worry about running out of juice.

Autonomous Driving

One of the coolest latest developments in the electric car world is autonomous driving. This is where your car can essentially drive itself. Many manufacturers are now starting to offer this as an option on their cars. It is still in the early stages, but it is definitely something to watch out for.

Noise Reduction

Electric cars don’t only help reduce the carbon footprint but they also help lessen noise pollution. This is because they are much quieter than petrol or diesel cars. In fact, some electric cars are so quiet that you can barely hear them when they are driving. This is great news for those who live in cities where noise pollution is a big problem.

These are just some of the latest developments in the world of electric cars. Keep up to date with the latest news and you will be sure to find an electric car that has all the features you need.

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Culture

A Shift Towards Green Vehicles

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man charging his electric car

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? What are the things that you are looking for in a new vehicle? Have you ever considered getting a green or more environmentally vehicle? That’s a trend nowadays. Many people are already opting for green cars over other vehicles and there are various reasons for that. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the reasons why people are choosing green vehicles over others.

Why Are People Choosing Green Cars?

First and foremost, let’s talk about environmental reasons. It’s no secret that our planet is going through some tough times right now. Climate change is real and it’s happening whether we like it or not. The emissions that come from regular vehicles are a huge contributing factor to climate change and the destruction of our planet. Green cars have much lower emissions than regular vehicles, which is a big selling point for a lot of people. If you’re looking to do your part in saving the planet, then getting a green car is one of the best things that you can do.

Another reason why people are drawn to green cars is that they’re becoming more affordable. In the past, green cars were very expensive and only accessible to those who could afford them. However, as technology has progressed, the cost of green cars has gone down significantly. They’re now much more affordable and within reach for the average person. Not to mention, there are now many more green car options available on the market than there were in the past.

If you’re thinking about making the switch to a green car, now is a great time to do it! With so many reasons to choose a green car, it’s no wonder that more and more people are making the switch. Do your part for the environment and your wallet by choosing a green car next time you’re in the market for a new vehicle.

The Different Types Of Green Cars Available

When it comes to green cars, there are actually a few different types that you can choose from. Here’s a quick overview of the different types of green cars that are available on the market:

Electric Vehicles: Electric vehicles are powered by electricity instead of gas. They’re becoming increasingly popular due to their low emissions and because they’re more affordable than ever before.

Hybrid Vehicles: Hybrid vehicles are a mix between regular gas cars and electric cars. They typically have better fuel economy than regular gas cars and emit less pollution into the environment.

Fuel-Efficient Vehicles: Fuel-efficient vehicles are those that get great gas mileage. This means that you’ll save money on gas while still being friendly to the environment. Many newer cars are fuel-efficient, but there are also some older models that fall into this category.

How To Choose The Right Green Car For You

Now that you know a bit more about green cars, you might be wondering how to choose the right one for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:

Your Budget

One of the first things to consider is your budget. How much can you afford to spend on a new car? If you’re looking for a more affordable option, then electric or hybrid vehicles might be the way to go. However, if you have a higher budget, then you’ll have more options to choose from.

Your needs

What do you need in a car? Are you looking for something that’s great for long drives or do you need something that’s compact and easy to park? Consider your needs when choosing a green car.

Your lifestyle

Do you have a long commute to work? Do your kids need to be chauffeured around town? Consider your lifestyle when choosing a car. If you have a long commute, then you might want to choose an electric car with a longer range. If you need to transport a lot of people, then a hybrid SUV might be the best option.

The bottom line is that there are many factors to consider when choosing a green car. However, if you take the time to figure out what you need and want, then you’ll be sure to find the perfect car for you.

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Environment

The Impact Of Cars On The Environment

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woman and electric car

As the number of cars on the road continues to increase, so does their negative impact on the environment. Cars produce harmful emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change, and their widespread use is also leading to increased levels of air pollution. If we want to protect the environment, we need to do more to promote alternative forms of transportation and reduce our reliance on cars.

The Negative Impact Of Cars On The Environment

Cars are one of the biggest contributors to air pollution. Their emissions contain a range of harmful pollutants, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and cancer. Air pollution is also linked to climate change, as it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

The increase in cars on the road has also led to an increase in traffic congestion. This not only makes our commutes longer and more frustrating, but it also emits even more harmful pollutants into the air. Traffic jams are a major source of smog, which is a dangerous form of air pollution.

The Impact of Cars On Global Warming And Climate Change

Cars also have a major impact on global warming and climate change. Their emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, contribute to the warming of the planet. Climate change can lead to a range of impacts, including more extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and ecosystem disruption.

What are the harmful emissions that cars produce?

The most harmful emission that cars produce is carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, meaning it traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to global warming and climate change. In addition, cars also produce other harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which lead to air pollution.

Cars produce a range of harmful emissions, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and cancer. Air pollution is also linked to climate change, as it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Importance Of Promoting Alternative Forms Of Transportation

Cars have become a necessary part of life for many people, but they also come with a heavy environmental cost. The average car emits over 4,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year, and cars are responsible for about one-fifth of all emissions in the United States.

There are a number of ways to reduce the environmental impact of cars. One is to promote alternative forms of transportation, such as public transit, biking, and walking. Another is to encourage the use of more fuel-efficient cars. Finally, it is important to recycle and reuse car parts and materials whenever possible.

Reducing the number of cars on the road is one of the best ways to protect the environment. By promoting alternative forms of transportation, we can all do our part to reduce pollution and help preserve the planet for future generations.

Reducing Our Reliance On Cars

If we want to protect the environment from the negative impacts of cars, we need to reduce our reliance on them. We can do this by promoting alternative forms of transportation, such as public transit, biking, and walking. We can also make changes to our driving habits, such as carpooling or using electric vehicles. By making these changes, we can help to reduce air pollution and slow down climate change.

Even if we choose to use our cars, there are a few things we can do to lessen the pollution that it produces. Certain practices when many of us do them could also cause a great positive impact.

Switching To Green Cars To Help The Environment

If you are looking to buy a new car, consider choosing a green option. Electric vehicles emit no pollutants and have a much lower carbon footprint than gasoline-powered cars. Hybrid cars also have a lower emissions level than traditional cars. If you can’t switch to a green car, try to drive less often and carpool when possible. Every little bit helps!

Cars have become an essential part of our lives, but we need to be mindful of their impact on the environment. By making some simple changes, we can help to reduce air pollution and slow down climate change. Let’s do our part to protect the planet!

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Green Car Reviews

Nissan Leaf EV 2022 Review

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electric car charging

Apart from electric trucks, there are also electric cars and sedans available in the market today. Nissan has been a pioneer in the electric vehicle space, and the new Leaf is a continuation of that tradition. The car has been completely redesigned with an emphasis on aerodynamics and range. The new model is considerably sleeker than its predecessor, with a more aggressive front end and a sloping roofline. The interior has been completely revamped as well, with a new infotainment system and a more premium feel overall.

The Nissan Leaf EV

The Nissan Leaf is a battery electric vehicle that was first introduced in 2010. The Leaf is considered to be the first mass-produced EV and as of March 2019, Nissan has sold over 380,000 units worldwide. The second-generation Leaf was unveiled in September 2017 and is expected to go on sale in early 2018. The new Leaf features a 40 kWh battery pack which gives the vehicle a range of 150 miles.

In September 2018, Nissan announced that they would be releasing a new, all-electric Leaf in 2020. The new Leaf will feature a 62 kWh battery pack which will give the vehicle a range of up to 310 miles on a single charge. The new Leaf is expected to be available in 2022.

Nissan Leaf EV 2022 VS Previous Models

The newest in the line of electric cars made by Nissan is the Nissan Leaf EV 2022. Let’s take a closer look at what it is and also compare it with the previous models to see if there is any improvement.

The Nissan Leaf has always been a popular choice for an electric vehicle and the new model only promises to make it better. The 2022 Leaf is sleeker and more aerodynamic than its predecessors. It’s also been fitted with a brand-new infotainment system and has a more premium feel overall.

Most importantly, the new Leaf features a 62 kWh battery pack which gives it a range of up to 310 miles on a single charge. This is considerably better than the 40 kWh battery in the previous model, making it a much more practical choice for long-distance travel.

Comparison

When compared to the previous Leaf models, it’s clear that the Nissan Leaf EV 2022 is a significant improvement. It’s sleeker, faster, and has a longer range. It’s also been fitted with a more advanced infotainment system that makes it easier to use and more enjoyable to drive.

Final Words

The Nissan Leaf has many features that make it an excellent choice for an EV. It has a fast-charging time, good performance, and plenty of interior space. The Leaf is also very affordable when compared to other EVs on the market.

Overall, the Nissan Leaf is a great choice for an electric vehicle. Its affordable price tag and long range make it a popular option for drivers all over the world. It’s sure to be a hit when it goes on sale in 2022.

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Technology

All About Hydrogen Fuel Cars

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hydrogen fuel cars

Previously, we’ve shown the spotlight on how electric cars work. Today we’ll be focusing on another alternative, which is the use of hydrogen fuel cells to power up the vehicles. Hydrogen cars are a new type of vehicle that runs on hydrogen fuel cells. The technology behind these cars is actually quite simple-hydrogen is stored in tanks, and when it comes into contact with oxygen, it creates electricity to power the car.

Hydrogen fuel cells have been around for a long time, but they have only recently become popular as an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars.

There are many benefits to using hydrogen cars instead of regular cars-they produce zero emissions, they are more efficient than gas cars, and they can be powered by renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.

To learn more about how hydrogen cars work, keep reading!

The Technology Behind Hydrogen Cars

A hydrogen car uses a fuel cell to run. The fuel cell is powered by the catalytic reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, which creates electricity and pure H 2 gas.

This gas goes into the metal container known as the fuel cell, where it combines with oxygen from the air to create more electricity. The only byproduct of this process is pure water!

How Do Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work?

Hydrogen fuel cells work similarly to batteries and other types of fuel cells. This is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen (or water) that creates electricity and heat.

Most cars that run on gasoline combust it with oxygen from the air, which produces carbon dioxide as a by-product. In a hydrogen car, the only byproduct is water vapor because the hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the air.

Hydrogen fuel cells work like this: hydrogen is pumped into a cell with a membrane between the anode and cathode. When the hydrogen enters the cell, it meets up with oxygen from the air to form water on one side of the membrane-this creates electricity and heat, which is why things in cars can get hot when they run.

Challenges Of Hydrogen Fuel Cars

Hydrogen fuel cells have been around for a long time, but they haven’t been used in cars until recently because the technology wasn’t efficient enough to create a car that would run on hydrogen alone.

The first major challenge to using hydrogen as an alternative form of fuel is producing it in a cost-effective way. Hydrogen must be separated from water, and this requires electricity. The electricity needed to do this comes from another energy source like solar power or wind power-but there aren’t many places that have easy access to these renewable sources of energy right now. So until more countries invest in alternative forms of energy, producing hydrogen will continue to be expensive and impractical.

The second challenge is storing hydrogen properly so it can be used by drivers. Right now, there are only a small number of locations where hydrogen fuel cells are available for use because storage is still an issue. If car manufacturers built vehicles with larger tanks to store hydrogen, then at least three times more hydrogen could fit into the cars.

But that’s just not practical right now since it would take up too much space and increase the weight of the vehicle. That would affect how long the car can drive before running out of gas.

Drivers Can Use Hydrogen Or Gasoline For Fuel

The main idea behind hydrogen fuel cells is that they are alternatives to gasoline-powered vehicles, but many drivers have found that both types of cars work well for them depending on what kind of trips they’re taking.

One downside to hydrogen cars is that they cost more than traditional gas-powered cars, but people like them because they are good for the environment and they provide savings when it comes time to refill the tank.

Choosing between a hydrogen car or a gas-powered car really depends on the driver’s lifestyle and what type of trips he or she takes. Some people choose to use both types of vehicles, like owning an electric vehicle for work and using a hydrogen car on weekends to save money at the pump! Whatever you want in your next car will determine if you should consider buying a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

Hydrogen Fuel Cars Allow For A Greener Future

People have been working on finding greener energy sources for decades. Many feel that traditional gasoline-powered cars contribute to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. However, others believe electric vehicles are much more environmentally friendly. Using hydrogen fuel cells in your car can help you find a happy medium between these technologies.

Hydrogen is non-toxic when it combusts making it much less harmful than gasoline or electricity production when considering environmental impact. Also, many industries today are turning to renewable forms of energy like solar power because they don’t rely on fossil fuels to produce this power. It is important to be aware of your energy consumption in your daily life, especially in the transportation industry.

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Laws and Incentives

Worldwide Electric Car Incentives

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two electric cars charging

How do you convince car owners worldwide to make a switch and use a more sustainable and clean vehicle? There is a lot of information out there talking about how much better they are for the environment. However, many drivers still need convincing.

You can’t blame people who have happily driven their diesel or gas-powered cars all their lives. For those, you need a little more than just information.

Most countries think it is giving incentives to electric car owners. That is exactly what is happening across the globe. Different countries give different incentives to electric car owners. That proves to be a successful strategy as there has been an increase in the purchase of electric cars.

Electric Car Incentives In The US

In the US, the federal taxes that are based on fuel consumption are all waived. Add to that, people who buy electric cars also receive a federal tax credit amounting to up to $7500.

However, there is a limit to this. It is only for the first 200,000 units. Once the manufacturers reach that number, the subsidy expires. So far, there are only two companies that have reached this limit.

Each state also offers various additional incentives for those with electric vehicles.

The US isn’t the only country that offers great incentives for its electric car buyers. There are a lot of countries that do it too. Let’s tell you what each of these countries has to offer:

China

The largest market for electric cars is in China. There is continuous growth in the number of sales. The increase in number is mainly due to the incentives plus the larger number of choices available.

In China, those with electric cars are exempted from the restrictions or driving bans on certain days that other engines have. Additionally, there are also purchase incentives for electric cars.

Germany

In Germany, those who purchase pure electric cars will receive a total incentive of 4000 Euros. The 2000 Euros comes from the government and the other half comes from the manufacturer. However, this is only offered for cars that have a value of 60,000 Euros.

There is also a tax exemption for 10 years for electric cars. There is also a special tax bonus that is based on the size of the car’s battery. They could have as much as 10,000 Euros. This is the maximum amount and is calculated by multiplying a kilowatt-hour battery capacity by 200 Euros.

Norway

Norway is one of the leading countries when it comes to renewable energy. They are also leading when it comes to buying electric cars. In this country, there is no import tax for pure electric as well as fuel cell cars. Plus, electric cars also do not have the 25% VAT that is imposed on all other vehicles.

With such incentives, the price of an electric car is quite similar to that of a fuel-combustion engine car of similar size. Electric cars also have savings on selected parking fees and ferry crossings. They can also use the bus lanes in some areas.

Sweden

In Sweden, those who purchase pure electric cars will receive a purchase incentive of 60,000 Swedish Krona. Six months after the vehicle is registered, the bonus will be directly paid to the owner. This prevents the car from being sold immediately within that time period.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, there is a grant for pure electric plug-in vehicles of up to 3500 British pounds. There used to be government incentives for plug-in hybrid vehicles but that’s no longer the case today.

Another advantage is to allow the motorists to enter the London Congestion Zone without paying the daily price of 11.5GDP. There is also an Ultra Low Emission Zone that has a daily entry price of 12.5 GDP. Those with zero-emission vehicles could also enter this zone for free.

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Fuels

Let’s Talk About Fuel-Cell Car Advantages

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fuel station for hydrogen fuel cell cars

There are different alternatives available today for the conventional fossil-fuel vehicle. One of them is the fuel-cell cars. Instead of using conventional fossil fuel to power the vehicles, these use hydrogen and oxygen to power up the vehicles. The end product is electricity and water.

Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles still have their limitations. There are also still some advantages and disadvantages when it comes to using the technology. However, they still are a more environmentally-friendly alternative to cars with combustion engines.

We’re not here to convince you to trade off your combustion engine car right away. We just want you to consider the many benefits of using such a vehicle. Knowing more about cars with a better impact on the environment is the ultimate future of the car industry.

Advantages Of Fuel-Cell Cars

Renewable And Available Energy Source

Fuel-cell cars use hydrogen for power. It is present in vast amounts, even if there are challenges of extracting it from water. Being a renewable source is one of the many great things about hydrogen. It is a great resource not only for power but for heat as well.

Clean Source Of Energy

One of the problems that we are trying to remedy when we are looking for alternatives to combustion engines is the carbon footprint. Hydrogen fuel cells are a solution to that.

Using them wouldn’t bring about adverse effects to the environment because they only produce water and heat. There are no greenhouse gas emissions and they won’t pollute the air when used. Using them will significantly decrease the carbon footprint.

Apart from that, the production of hydrogen doesn’t require the conversion of huge lands to areas of production. Additionally, the byproducts are non-toxic.

More Efficient Than Fossil Fuel

Compared to fossil fuels, hydrogen fuel cell technology is more efficient. It produces high-density power. Additionally, it can be used to produce more energy than other fuels. Usually, hydrogen fuel cells will consume less fuel as compared to your usual combustion engine vehicle.

Longevity Of Use

One thing you also have to note is the longevity of the car itself. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered engines can be used just as much as conventional combustion engine vehicles. That makes them superior to electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles may be greatly affected by cold weather, causing them to deteriorate. That isn’t the case for cars with hydrogen fuel cells. This makes them further outlast the alternatives.

Other Applications

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are one of the many applications of this kind of technology. Apart from powering vehicles, they can also be used for other applications such as heating systems. They can also be a good source of power for other smaller products.

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Culture

A Look At The 5 Types Of Green Cars

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green car

In environmental circles, the term “green” gets tossed around quite abit. We even named our site “topgreencars”.

But what exactly are green cars?  Believe it or not, there’s quite a bit of misconception about what this term means.  And it may surprise you that the definition changes from year-to-year.

For today’s post we’ll make it clear what we consider as green cars. We’ll also take a closer look at the 5 different types of green cars that are available today.

What Is A Green Car?

A green car is simply a vehicles that is “environmentally-friendly“.  As compared to the conventional vehicles that run on internal combustion engines through diesel or gasoline, these have lesser harmful impacts on the environment. The term green car is used for any vehicle that complies with various standards like the California zero-emission vehicle standard or the European emission standards, just to name a few.

5 Types Of Green Cars

The green cars usually use alternative fuels or they could also run in modern technologies that have lesser emission. These technologies include running on fuel cells, batteries, hydrogen, hybrids and many others. Here are the different types:

Electric And Battery-Powered Vehicles

Battery-powered electric vehicles could be considered the most environmentally friendly vehicles today. They are purely powered by electricity. There are many models and they have a built-in battery that could be recharged by simply plugging them in. Then, there are also those that run on hydrogen fuel cells that don’t need to be recharged. Between the two, the plug-ins electric cars are more efficient. However, both of them are better compared to other vehicles when it comes to fuel economy.

Great as they may seem, they also have a downside. For electric cars, they have a limited range and need to be recharged. Charging takes time so a day’s drive can turn into two because you have to stop and charge for a few hours.

Hybrid Cars

When it comes to popularity, hybrid cars top the charts. These cars run partially on electricity and partially on conventional fuel. These cars have an internal combustion engine and an electricity-powered engine. Hybrid vehicles do not require recharging. Through regenerative braking, the batteries get charged.

There are many variations to hybrid vehicles. There are even some that you can plug-in to recharge the battery. These are even more fuel-efficient than hybrids that can’t be plugged in. Hybrid cars, whether they can be plugged-in or not may be more expensive upfront. However, many still consider this option due to the savings on fuel through the life of the vehicle.

Improved Conventional Cars

Conventional combustion engine vehicles may still be considered green cars. These are the ones that use fossil fuel alternatives like biofuel. They can also use renewable fuels that are a mixture of fossil fuel and ethanol. Diesel-powered vehicles can easily transition to biodiesel.

Compressed Air And Solar Powered Engines

Other methods of powering vehicles still exist but they haven’t been perfected yet. There are compressed air vehicles and some researchers are doing tests on hybrid compressed-air and electric vehicles. This is because a large amount of compressed air is needed to run the vehicle. The container for compressed air can get too heavy and converting back used compressed air is not efficient.

Solar power is another alternative that they are looking into. The main problem here is the limited area where solar panels can be placed. This can cause a problem because the car might not fully charge as fast as it should. However, there are cars with solar roofs, and the electricity produced is used to power some components of the vehicle. Nowadays, there are still no purely solar-powered vehicles available in the market.

Pedal Powered Vehicles

There are different companies that are developing vehicles with 2-4 wheels that can be powered manually by pedals. They combine that with an electric motor. Essentially, they are like bicycles with electric motors. However, the classification as to whether they are really cars is still unclear. Nevertheless, such vehicles can still be considered green.

 

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Environment

Things You Can Do To Reduce Car-Related Air Pollution

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lessen car air pollution

As we all know by now, air pollution is an on-going problem we, as a planet, need to tackle as a global community.  While governments have an active role in a sustainable future, it’s even more important that we as individual do what we need to do to contribute.

As car owners, drivers, or simply those who are looking to buy a car to use, there are tangible things you can do – right now! – to help lessen air pollution brought about by the use of vehicles.

Here’s just a few ideas…

Consider Driving Less

Whenever you use your car, you are also producing pollution. Even if you have hybrids, they may produce less pollution but they still do. If you can walk or bike to where you’d have to go, consider that option.

You may also opt for public transit whenever possible. Although public transit would also produce pollution while being used, you can lessen the total pollution by not adding to what the public transit also produces. In that light, you may also opt for ride-sharing or carpooling to better lessen the carbon footprint.

Use Your Car Wisely

Whenever you really need to use your car, you should use it wisely so that it doesn’t produce as much pollution. One way to do that is to drive efficiently. Drive at a constant speed and don’t alternate between braking abruptly and gas up too much and too fast whenever you can. In this way, you don’t only lessen the pollution produced, you also use your gas more efficiently and save up on cost.

Also, when using your vehicle, make sure you prevent unnecessary idling. Modern vehicles don’t really need to “warm-up” during the winter. Just turn them on and drive. Avoiding idling will help you reduce pollution plus reduce the unnecessary burning of gas. This is another way to save money on fuel.

Carefully Choose The Vehicle To Buy

If you are in the market for a new vehicle, consider efficient yet less polluting vehicles. This would include electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell cars, and hybrid vehicles. Apart from carefully choosing which vehicle to buy, you should also choose what fuel to use on your vehicle. There are more environment-friendly fuel blends available today. Just make sure your car is compatible with using them.

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