The environmentally friendly car (also known as a green car, or eco friendly car) is a vehicle that emits low carbon compounds when it runs. The low emission of environmentally friendly cars makes the environment safer because changes in climate and health hazards that result from the inhalation of carbon compounds are greatly reduced.
Environmentally friendly cars use less toxic fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and natural gas.
Apart from being environmentally friendly, green cars also have the advantage of saving money since the alternative fuels they use do not burn as fast as the conventional types.However, insurance can be more expensive for green vehicles. Insurance costs more for many eco-friendly cars because the cars cost more, as do the repairs insurance would cover. Always remember to shop around for the best insurance rates.
There are many reasons why many people are now opting to drive eco-friendly cars, and there are plenty of choices out there. Which are the best and most environmentally friendly cars available? It depends on the vehicles and their fuel. Read on to learn more about some of the best electric cars, hybrid cars and other green vehicles on the market today.

Electric cars

Electric cars are arguably your best green or most environmentally friendly option because there are no tailpipe pollutants, though the power plant producing the electricity that powers electric vehicles often emits pollutants. Using wind, solar and nuclear power to generate the electricity to power an electric car will eliminate most pollutants.
This is arguably your most environmentally friendly option because there are no tailpipe pollutants. Sounds good, but remember that the power plant producing the electricity often admits pollutants. Using wind, solar and nuclear power to generate the electricity will eliminate most pollutants.

• Benefits of an electric car
• Maintenance and safety on an electric car
• Saving on fuel costs with an electric car

Hybrid Cars

A hybrid car is a type of green vehicle that has more than one source of power. Hybrid vehicles usually have an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Other sources of power for hybrids include radio waves, electromagnetic fields, hydrogen, liquid nitrogen and petrol.
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There are several advantages of buying a hybrid car. Different states in the United States give incentives to people who purchase hybrid vehicles. In addition, hybrid vehicles emit less carbon dioxide and other gases that can cause greenhouse effect. Their engines are highly efficient and tend to last longer than the conventional type.
Because the energy they use is clean, the engine is highly efficient and tends to last longer than the conventional type.
Most of them come with warranties for the battery, electric motor and other expensive components. But hybrid cars have some disadvantages. One of them is that hybrid cars costs more than conventional vehicles.
They are usually more expensive by about $2,000 to $5,000. Also, the spare parts of such cars are scarce and sometimes more expensive.
Again, their weights are usually more due to the presence of battery packs.

• How Hybrids Work
• What are Hybrid Vehicles
• Hybrid Technology
• Environmental Advantages of Hybrid Cars

Biodiesel Cars

These are cars that run on fuels made from vegetable oil, such as canola, sunflower, soy, and hemp. Waste (used) vegetable oil can also be utilized as biodiesel but must be processed before use.
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Biodiesel cars can often save money in the long run since the their fuels are less expensive and sometimes even free. For example, some restaurants will give away their used vegetable oil, when then can in turn be used as fuel. Another benefit of biodiesel cars is that if they their use becomes more predominate, the United States will have less need to import oil since local farmers will be encouraged to produce more oil.
This will also increase mechanized farming and the provision of more jobs.

• Biodiesel Education
• Biodiesel Vehicles
• Biodiesel Passenger Cars and Trucks
• Biodiesel Car Benefits
  

Ethanol Cars

Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from starch crops, like corn. Most ethanol cars use 85 percent ethanol while the remaining 15 percent is made up of unleaded gasoline.
The low amount of gasoline in the ethanol makes emission much safer for the environment.
It causes a lower increase in greenhouse gases and the fuel itself is biodegradable. Also, since ethanol is mostly made from corn, dependency on domestic farming will also increase if ethanol cars were to become a more popular choice among consumers.
Who knew corn was so versatile?
 

• Ethanol Benefits
• Ethanol Use in Vehicles
• Ethanol Economy
• Understanding Cars That Can Use Ethanol

Natural Gas Cars

The natural gas car uses two types of fuels: compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas. In 2010, about 12.7 million natural gas vehicles were sold throughout the world. Unlike gasoline vehicles, the engines of natural gas cars are less resistant to corrosion.
In addition, there is low emission of carbon compounds and the particulates released are cleaner. The cost of natural gas is lower than that of gasoline, which can save consumers a lot of money at the pump. Gasoline costs about 33 percent more than an equal volume of natural gas. The financial savings of going green don’t stop at the pump. According to Auto.Loan, certain EPA certified green cars can save an additional 0.5% on loan financing as well (see article “Bad Credit Auto Loans“)
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In the United States, natural gas is sufficient and supplied even in rural areas so it is unlikely to experience shortage or scarcity. Furthermore, owners of natural gas cars can make more realistic budgets on fuel usage because its price is usually stable (even more stable than other petroleum fuels).
Finally, vehicles that operate on natural gas are easier and less expensive to maintain since the engine does not easily corrode and fuel burns easily without leaving much particles in the engine. However, natural gas cars are more expensive than gasoline cars but many people believe that the benefits outweigh the costs.

• Facts about Natural Gas Vehicles
• New Technologies for Cleaner Air
• Natural Gas Vehicles
• How Safe Are Natural Gas Cars? (PDF)
• Understanding Natural Gas Vehicles

This article is a resource created by Cheap Car Insurance meant to educate and raise awareness concerning environmentally friendly cars. Sharing is permissible. Please contact us if you have any questions. Get a car insurance quote in your area.