Environmentally-friendly cars
We are all aware of the impact fuel emissions have on our environment, but, for many people, life in the country necessitates owning a car.
Public transport can be greatly restricting - if available at all – and when the nearest supermarket or school could be fifteen miles away, cycling and walking are unrealistic alternatives.
An environmentally-friendly car could be the answer – retaining the convenience factor while at the same time reducing your carbon footprint. A number of ‘green’ vehicles exist in the market today, running on a variety of environmentally-friendlier fuels such as LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and BioDiesel.
LPG cars produce lower emissions of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide compared with traditional petrol and diesel engines, making them far more environmentally-friendly vehicles. But there are also practical benefits for the consumer.
As a clean-burning fuel, LPG causes less wear and tear to vehicles. LPG cars are also highly efficient, and with pump prices around half that of traditional fuels, you can save considerably on your fuel bills.
Most are dual-fuel (often referred to as hybrid), which means they can still be run on traditional petrol or diesel at the flick of a switch. While not as good for the environment, the dual-fuel approach is reassuring for consumers who point to the lack of alternative fuel refill stations as a potential cause for concern.
BioDiesel is produced from renewable sources, and though carbon dioxide is emitted when it’s burned, the plants used to create the fuel absorb much of it to aid their growth. As a result, net emissions are considerably lower than traditional diesel.
The fuel is yet to reach most petrol stations, but is gaining popularity with some motorists and may soon achieve higher prominence on forecourts around the country.
Already found at a number of petrol stations in the UK is BioEthanol. A renewable-source fuel in the same mould as BioDiesel, it gives a 70% carbon dioxide reduction compared with petrol. Running costs are equivalent to petrol engines.
Other concepts for environmentally-friendly cars that have yet to be developed on a grand scale. Electric cars are charged, as opposed to being filled with fuel, but only a handful have made it onto the market. Solar cars are thought to be decades away from emerging as a realistic option, while Hydrogen cars are considered to be just ten years away from mass production.
If you aren’t ready to take the plunge into alternative fuels, there are steps you can take to limit your own car’s impact on the environment.
- Pump your tyres up to the correct pressures, as stipulated in your vehicle manual. Under-inflated tyres will force the car to work harder, and lower your fuel efficiency.
- Switch off your engine if stationary for more than a few minutes. An idling engine is bad for the environment and a waste of your money.
- Lift-share where possible – it helps keep unnecessary cars off the road, and saves you money if you share fuel costs.
Useful links
www.petrolprices.com - A petrol-price finder, plus tips on how to increase your fuel efficiency.
www.cleangreencars.co.uk - A guide to choosing an environmentally-friendly car.
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