What are green cars and how are they powered?

Green cars take a number of different forms, and they generally qualify for this category of cars are major polluters. However, as the enormous environmental impact of vehicle if they fulfil basic green fuel or energy efficient criteria. The term ‘green cars' is fairly fluid, and extends to cover everything from entirely ‘green' biofuel vehicles through to the more economic standard petrol cars.

However, for the purposes of this CarFinance.co.uk guide, the following are a number of different green solutions to motoring. Some of them are at an experimental stage, whilst others are already becoming more prevalent.

Types of green cars

Hybrid cars

The formula behind hybrid cars is fuel economy, and this accounts for their ongoing increase in popularity. Figures such as 68-plus MPG means that many consumers are interested because of potential savings on fuel.

Flex-fuel cars

Flex-fuel is becoming more common, although many people who own them are not even aware of it. Flex-fuel cars, or FFVs, are capable of running on gasoline and a substance called E85.

Biodiesel cars

Biodiesel is one of the alternative forms of fuel that can be used in diesel engines. It is derived from plant oil and animal fat. In Europe it predominately comes from rapeseed oil.

Natural gas cars

According to the manufacturers of the solitary compressed natural gas car in commercial production (the Honda Civic GX) it is the “cleanest internal combustion engine on Earth.”

If you are looking for finance for a green or hybrid car, get a free, no obligation green car finance quote here.

Guide to buying a fuel efficient car

If you are in the market for a new car, and are concerned about global warming, considering the following before buying a new car could make all the difference.

For instance, do you even consider how environmentally friendly the engine of your car is? Do you need a car as large as you are looking for? Does your car really need the fuel-burning extra features it possesses?

Buying the right car

Unfortunately, economical cars are not usually the same ones that are regarded as status symbols. The damaging popularity of totally unnecessary Sports Utility Vehicles and trucks means more fuel-inefficient vehicles on the road.

When buying a new or used car, consider how much car you really need? For instance, if you have a large family you may need a seven-seater.

Similarly, if you are a carpenter you may need a van to house lengths of wood and tools. However, once you really analyse what you need, you may find yourself opting for a smaller, cheaper and more fuel-efficient vehicle… that is better for the environment.

Finding the most environmentally-friendly car

Once you have found the most suitably sized car for your uses, find the most environmentally friendly model of vehicle possible. For instance, if you need an estate car, check out its green ratings and fuel economy before buying. You can find these out using Yahoo green ratings and some car shopping comparison services. Choosing a model of car that is more fuel-efficient makes a surprisingly big difference in the fight against pollution and global warming.

Most car shopping sites compare models according to their fuel economy. Fuel economy is the most important criterion that determines how much heat-trapping greenhouse gas is emitted from a vehicle. Choosing a model that is just a few MPG more efficient makes a big difference in helping to fight global warming over a year of driving, and a huge difference over the many years that most cars and trucks stay on the road.

Choosing environmentally friendly features

Additional features can greatly add to the fuel economy of your vehicle. For instance, driving a four-wheel drive (4WD) can greatly increase fuel consumption, so if it is unnecessary, don’t purchase it. Similarly, souped-up engines guzzle petrol, and unnecessarily add to global warming. Realising that you do not need enormous horsepower on your vehicle is one of the first steps in decreasing pollution and getting a more economical car.