What is meant by 'the best green car'

A green car is basically one that does not do as much damage to the environment as the petrol and diesel vehicles that are currently in use.

There is legislation in various countries which defines what is meant by a 'green' car. New cars need to meet the new green legislation, whilst older, 'dirty' cars are still on the roads.

The measurement of how green a car is must also include the emissions produced from obtaining the materials, manufacturing the vehicle and all the transport costs involved!

The move away from fossil fuel usage to cleaner, sustainable energy sources will focus consumers on the practicalities of the vehicle.

As well as investing in the technologies that are required to build compliant vehicles, the manufacturers will have to work hard to provide vehicles that meet the needs of the consumer, in particular, the demand for family vehicles.

Measuring how 'green' a car is

There are three main categories of motor vehicles when considering how green a vehicle is.
- Those cars with petrol or diesel engines must have an improved fuel consumption and reduced harmful emissions.
- Hybrid cars are naturally more environmentally friendly simply because they use an electric motor at slow speeds and when idling. However hybrid cars can also become more efficient in their fossil fuel usage and by improvments in their battery technology.
- Electric cars are continually improving their battery technology which increases their range and reduces the battery recharge time. The cars themselves are becoming larger and more practical.

Vehicle noise

Road noise is mainly tyre noise, which will be the same for any cars travelling at similar speeds.

Electric motors are much quieter than petrol or diesel engines. These cars may need to make artificial car noises to warn people that they are on the roads!

Engine noise whilst idling will be significantly reduced as a result of switching to electric motors.

Air pollution

But there is also another reason to reduce emissions, and it is one that directly affects people, particularly children, on a daily basis.

There would appear to be a risk of health problems to children and people from breathing in emissions and particulates from petrol and diesel motor vehicles.

Particulates appear to be a serious health risk, especially to children and those with breathing problems.

Recycling automobile materials

We can no longer allow an old car just to be dumped! We must completely recycle the vehicle materials. All the materials that are not recycled will end up being dumped.At this time approximately 25% of each car is not recycled and is dumped.

For a list of green and economic vehicles - click this link

Encouraging the Consumer!

It is likely in the near future that there will be some form of financial 'encouragement' to reward those people who purchase the most green cars. Access to city centres, special faster routes for the green vehicles and other incentives are likely to be linked to the level of emissions of a vehicle.