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In a perfect world, we'd all be able to bike or walk to work, and convenient public transportation options would be available in every city. Unfortunately, the reality is that cars are necessary for millions of people to move around their communities. However, when it's time to replace your planet polluting, gas-powered vehicle, consider shrinking your ecological footprint by investing in one of these greener car options.
Hybrid cars are the best of both worlds -- like chocolate and peanut butter, hybrids combine two smart ideas into one energy efficient concept. Essentially, a traditional internal combustion engine is supplemented with a battery-powered electric motor. The electric motor takes some of the work off the combustion engine's hands, especially at lower speeds. Generally, hybrids cost more up front, but the long-term benefits include greater fuel efficiency and fewer emissions than traditional cars.
Electric cars run on energy stored in large battery packs instead of the more conventional internal combustion engine. Electric cars require less oil and emit absolutely no carbon dioxide, greenhouse gas, or nitrogen oxide. The first electric car to be commercially available in the US was General Motors' EV1, which was also the subject of the documentary, "Who Killed The Electric Car."
Plug-in hybrids look like typical hybrid cars but have additional battery capacity, enabling it to travel significant distances on electric power alone. For local driving, plug-in hybrids work like electric cars but have gasoline motors that can kick in if the vehicle's charge runs out. This enables them to reach 100 miles per gallon or more but, unlike electric vehicles, they can also always be refueled with gasoline if necessary. Currently, no car manufacturer sells a plug-in hybrid, but several companies are developing the technology and retrofit kits are available on the market for the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape hybrids.
It's worth noting that there are some very cool alternative cars on the horizon. While not quite ready for prime time, the uniqueness of these upcoming options, including a Mercedes Benz recycled roadster and a diesel/electric hybrid Ford Reflex with solar panels on its roof, appear to be worth the wait, so start saving now!
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