Welcome to Green Cars
It's getting harder and harder to pretend that pollution and global warming are not happening - and that our use of the automobile is not directly related.
It is indeed time for drivers and especially SUV fanatics (this researcher a former one herself) to take a long hard look at their vehicles and the cost, both financial and ecological, and to realize the alternative options that are available. Thanks to increasing apprehensions about environmental effects of the automobile, getting around no longer means puttering around irresponsibly in a big bad pollution machine.
Even if some individuals may not be deeply concerned about their planet, they can be reached through their concern about their wallet. Where ecology fails, economy can still win out, and gas prices are making it more apparent for many that fuel-guzzling machines are no longer their best option. People are clamoring for choice, and choice is now available.
Having a green vehicle is a statement that can say "I care about the Earth", or "I'm not spending $300 a month on gas" or best yet, "I am advancing to the future - of transportation, and our planet". Smaller, more fuel efficient cars like the Smart, even the Toyota Echo and other micro-compacts are becoming increasingly popular, and are inevitable conversation pieces for those who drive them. At this time, despite the technology we have, many are still clinging to their SUV's, lining up at gas stations to save 2 dollars a tank, and many people and governments do not realize the urgency that calls us to change our driving lifestyle.
Politics and the big players influencing economics are oppressive factors. Dollar value outweighs the value of a healthy planet for many. Yet more and more, people are wielding their power to change.
There are many different kinds of more responsible automobiles on the market from gasoline-powered micro-compacts, to electric vehicles, from hybrids to the up and coming hydrogen fuel cell. This section deals with any kind of automobile that falls under the category of LEV, Low Emission Vehicle. We do have a section dedicated to Hybrid cars so this area will deal with any new design of gasoline powered LEV or electric car. |
