People are becoming increasingly eco-conscious which means that many motorists are making the switch to low emission cars, plus there are now many different types available which gives people much greater variety. In addition to this, the Government is also encouraging people to make the switch and have a proposed ban on the sale of petrol and diesel from 2035 so now is a smart time to make the switch.
What are Green Cars?
So, what exactly makes a car green? CO2 emissions are the main factor that motorists consider, but you must also remember that there are various other pollutants too. Generally, a car is considered green if it emits less than 100g/km of CO2 which would mean that you do not have to pay any Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) – the financial benefits are another major reason that so many people are now making the switch.
There are conventionally powered automobiles that fall into this bracket which has seen the introduction of a new standard – Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicles (ULEV) which emit no more than 75g/km at the tailpipe and these are (currently) only alternatively fueled vehicles.
Factors to Consider
As with the purchase of any car, if you are making the switch then there are a few key factors to consider. You will need to think about typical factors like your budget and the size of the vehicle, but you will then also want to pay close attention to the MPG (Miles Per Gallon) and charging times if you opt for an electric. You should also factor in the type of driving that you will be doing, as you will find that electric is not a great option if you travel long distances regularly, so a hybrid may be better.
Cars on the Market
Currently, there are all kinds of excellent green cars on the market. As you would expect, these can be expensive brand new which is why it is worth looking in the used car market and using car credit from somewhere like Go Car Credit as you can get approved even with a low credit score. Here are a few of the best green cars currently available:
- BMW i3
- Toyota Prius
- VW Passat GTE
- Nissan Leaf
Now is a great time to switch to a green car as there are so many fantastic models available, plus you can make huge savings in the long-run with these vehicles while also helping to reduce your environmental impact so it is a win-win situation.