Cars, trucks, and other vehicles are major causes of global warming. In fact, vehicles account for approximately one-fifth of carbon emissions produced in the U.S.

Fortunately, there is a way to travel by car without releasing so many harmful gases into the environment. Here’s what you need to know about energy efficient cars:

How Energy Efficient Vehicles Work

There are several different types of energy efficient cars, including:

• Electric
• Hybrid Electric
• Plug-In Hybrid Electric

Electric Cars

Electric vehicles are powered solely by electrical motors. If the battery runs low, the car must be plugged into an electric power source so it can recharge.

These vehicles are powered completely by electrical energy, so you will never need to fill them with gas.   

Hybrid Electric Cars

Hybrid electric cars are designed with both an internal combustion engine and battery-powered electric motor. This means these cars are powered by both gasoline and electrical energy stored inside the motor’s batteries.

The electric motor provides the power when the car is traveling at low speeds, however the internal combustion engine typically takes over when the car reaches a certain speed. As per däckgöteborg, tyres of these hybrid electric cars experience less stress than other vehicles.

Basically, these cars rely on both battery power and gas. However, unlike plug-in hybrid electric cars, these vehicles never have to be plugged in. Instead, the internal combustion engine recharges the battery on its own so you will never have to pull over and plug in to recharge.  

Plug-In Hybrid Electric

Plug-in hybrid electric cars have an internal combustion engine and battery-powered electric motor, too. However, the internal combustion engine does not recharge the batteries needed to power the electric motor. If you drive one of these vehicles, you will need to plug it into a special outlet to recharge it.

The Benefits of Owning A Fuel Efficient Vehicle

Driving an energy efficient car can save you a significant amount of money. The most fuel efficient cars consume far less gas than other vehicles, and electric vehicles don’t ever need to be filled with gas. Driving one of these vehicles can save you trips to the pump and put more money in your pocket.  

Driving an energy efficient car will help the environment, too. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that the average gas-powered passenger vehicle releases about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. Hybrid vehicles emit very little carbon dioxide, and electric-powered cars do not emit any at all. Therefore, these eco-friendly vehicles can reduce your carbon footprint and limit the environmental damage caused by cars.

Energy efficient vehicles may have higher resale values, too. As time goes on, more people will start to understand the importance of protecting the environment. This will increase the demand for eco-friendly products such as energy efficient vehicles, and thus increase the resale value of these products as well.

The Most Energy Efficient Cars

According to U.S. News and World Report, some of the most energy efficient cars include:

• Toyota Camry Hybrid
• Honda Accord Hybrid
• Toyota Avalon Hybrid
• Kia Optima Hybrid
• Chevrolet Bolt
• Toyota Prius
• Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
• Ford Fusion Hybrid
• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing an energy efficient vehicle, including price, safety features, miles per gallon, size, and special features. Keep these factors in mind when searching for a new energy efficient car. Remember, it’s important to find the car that’s right for you even if it’s not on the “top 10” lists.

Take the First Step Towards A Greener Lifestyle

There are plenty of ways to live a greener lifestyle. Many people start by improving their home’s energy efficient ratio or picking up eco-friendly habits such as recycling. But, why not start by purchasing a greener vehicle?

Purchase one of the best fuel economy cars so you can protect the environment, save money, and inspire others to do the same!