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Over the past 40 years, the term ‘green’ has come to mean more than just a colour – now it signifies the environment and our efforts to save the planet. Though the introduction of catalytic converters drastically reduced harmful emissions, air quality has only improved marginally with more cars on the road. That is why it’s so important to consider green cars when you’re searching for a vehicle to buy or lease. This guide will explain how green cars help the environment and your pocket.
Quick links:
What is a green car?
There are many definitions of a green car – from electric cars to hybrid cars, to conventional vehicles. Though there are some electric city cars in production, which have zero CO2 emissions, they are not as readily available as other vehicles and are generally more expensive. However, you don’t have to be able to afford an electric car to do your bit for the environment as there are many alternative green vehicles.
How do green cars help the environment?
Driving a private car is a typical citizen’s most air polluting activity. Though there are alternatives, such as public transport, and ways to reduce car use, such as car sharing, our car choice can have a massive impact on the environment as the more that green cars are in demand, the more manufacturers will be forced to take environmental issues seriously.
When burned, a single gallon of petrol can produce 20 pounds of carbon dioxide. By contrast, a green car will have low CO2 emissions, which assists the battle against global warming.
Emissions from a conventional vehicle will also include carbon monoxide, which when inhaled can impair the flow of oxygen to our brain; hydrocarbons which irritate the lungs; lead which damages organs and particulate matter which is estimated to kill more than 60,000 people every year.
Air pollution has a drastic effect on our health with many acute respiratory problems linked to pollution from cars, SUVs and trucks, along with several forms of cancer and birth defects. Reducing harmful emissions by driving a green car, helps Planet Earth and all who live on it.
How do green cars help drivers save money?
To encourage drivers to help the environment, the UK Government introduced vehicle excise duty (VED) tax bands with reduced taxation for green cars. In addition, green cars save drivers money at the pumps. Many hybrid cars can travel more than 60 miles to the gallon – compared to the average conventional car which can travel for around 20-30 miles to the gallon.
What green cars are available in the UK?
There are many different types of green cars available in the UK. From electric cars such as the G-Wiz and the Mega City, which both have no CO2 emissions if recharged with renewable electricity, to hybrid cars which recharge their batteries during braking and coasting, the number of green cars available is expanding rapidly. However, while some of these vehicles have limited production levels, there are many other conventional cars that are taking steps to ‘go green’.
Let’s take a look at some of the green cars available:
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