The world is turning ever increasing focus on the idea of sustainability as traditional sources of power are almost depleted.
A sustainable future – where we use renewable energy and avoid depleting our natural resources – is something many individuals and organizations are working towards.
As we take steps towards sustainability, adjustments will have to be made. The automobile industry may end up facing some of the largest changes, as the vast majority of cars today run on gasoline. Gasoline is a limited natural resource produced from oil that won’t last forever.
So, are you interested in driving cars that will be part of a sustainable future? If so, you’re in luck, as manufacturers are beginning to create cars with the goal of supporting sustainability, generally by creating vehicles that use clean(er) forms of power.
What Are Examples of Cars That Use Cleaner Power?
There are several different types of vehicles designed to use cleaner forms of fuel that are renewable and less of a strain on our resources.
They include:
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electric vehicles don’t use gasoline at all, they use a battery that can be plugged in and charged with electricity from an outlet. Drivers generally pay less to run electric vehicles than to use gas or diesel-powered vehicles.
However, you usually have to recharge EVs every 40-100 miles and charging can take a lot of time.
EVs are also usually more expensive than gasoline-powered vehicles or even hybrid vehicles.
There’s also an issue for the environment here because in the manufacturing process of the EVs, more CO2 is produced than in the production of gasoline or diesel-powered cars.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid electric vehicles use a gasoline based engine combined with electric motors to ensure a very low consumption of the vehicle and to reduce the emissions.
Many drivers prefer to buy HEVs because such a vehicle will allow them to drive further than in the case of an EV, while still limiting your CO2 emissions to very low levels.
HEVs tend to be expensive compared to gasoline or diesel-powered cars. As with EVs, the production of HEVs also releases an increased amount of CO2 emissions.
Are There Other Sustainable Transportation Options?
Sustainable technology for cars still has a long way to go before becoming perfect. While the technology is further refined, you have other options if you want to focus on sustainability. Many people are reducing their carbon footprint by:
- Using Public Transportation
- Walking to Work or School
- Riding a Bike
If you don’t live in an area where these options are possible, there are still steps you can make to protect the natural resources of our planet. You can reduce the CO2 emissions of your current vehicle by:
- Getting Regular Tune-Ups
- Carpooling When Possible
- Carefully Plan the Shortest Route
- Utilize the Cruise Control System more Often
- Do Not Load Your Car With too Many Luggage
- Try Not to Idle Your Car
Lowering your carbon footprint is part of the process of moving towards a sustainable future, and in many ways, energy efficient cars are the future.
You Can Be Part of the Sustainable Future
Conclusion
Sustainability focuses on preserving the planet and the natural resources of the planet. Picking a car that is part of the sustainable future that will follow is important today.
Recycling, minimizing waste, and focusing on other methods to conserve energy can also lower your carbon footprint. There are many ways to support sustainability and all of them are important for us and the future generations.