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Eco-friendly cars – top 5 that ruled 2016

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Today’s auto industry is incredibly versatile. The latest models available in the market are tech-enabled, lightweight, easy to drive, and ultimately, eco-friendly. Choosing a type that lives up to your expectations can be a challenge tough. Green cars in particular, have won a lot of ground lately. Even top tier manufacturers like BMW, Porsche and Tesla have models you need to check out. Green cars are not just conveniently priced. Some of them feature benefits that go beyond the mere meaning of an eco-friendly vehicle that drives slowly. Here are 5 top green cars that managed to rule 2016, thus far.

BMW X3 (G01)

  1. BMW X3

BMW’s latest X3 model works on clean diesel. The fact that is packs an alternative engine doesn’t affect its speed ratio and driving range while on the road. On the contrary, the car has an EPA estimated mileage of 27-34-30 mpg for highway and city driving combined. There’s also a 6 mpg included that claims to be more efficient that X3 models that are gas-powered. The eco-friendly model is with just $1,500 more expensive than the classic model, so we would say it’s worth taking a chance and choosing the hybrid variant. The eco-friendly BMW X3 can easily handle 600 miles with a tank of gas and an alternative electrically-powered motor; which is pretty good.

  1. Lexus CT 200h

On the market for an affordable eco-friendly car? Look no further and go with a Lexus. The latest CT 200h model packs an estimated EPA of 43-40-42 mpg both on a highway and in the city. Featuring a compact, good-looking appearance and sporty personality, Lexus CT 200h is pretty fun to drive. It has a hatchback body and folding backseats to compensate for the small size. Incredibly versatile, this car is everything you need to travel the world. The blend of sporty character and fuel economy makes the CT a sleek vehicle with a starting price of $30,000.

  1. Mazda CX-5

Who says you can’t have fun while driving an efficient cars? As a matter of fact, you can and the latest CX-5 model from Mazda will exceed your expectations. Those looking to invest in fuel-efficiency should definitely have a closer look at this variant. The CX-5 has an EPA rate of 26-35-29 mpg on highways and in cities; it packs a 6-speed manual transmission, nice-looking body and excellent driving. Among some other benefits, we must also talk about the smooth handling, excellent front seats, expressive design and efficient powertrain. Known as a competent athletic crossover, the CX-5 starts a price of $21,000; variants with automatic transmissions feature slightly higher prices beginning from $29,000.

2016 Mazda CX-5

  1. Toyota Avalon Hybrid

Toyota is a car manufacturers that has been dominating the auto industry (hybrid sector in particular) for many years. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the newest Avalon Hybrid model is a top-seller. Featuring consistent mileage improvements compared to other models that work on gas, the hybrid variant has an estimated EPA of 40-39-40 mpg, the highest when compared to similar sedans currently available. The rating improves on non-hybrid Avalon models by an astounding 19 mpg, thus making the vehicle an excellent choice for families and commuters constantly on the go. It also prides with a well-controlled system, responsive & refined powertrains, spacious interiors, and advanced safety tech.

  1. Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

We never pictures Porsche as a hybrid fan, but then again you must give people what they want to be able to live up to the competition. The latest Cayenne S Hybrid actually pretty great. As opposed to most luxury hybrids on the market, the Cayenne S packs smooth driving, increased efficiency and groundbreaking tech advances. The model is the proud owner of 3.0 l super-charged V6 motor and an infused 70 kW electric engine. When combined, these two powertrains pack a total of 416 hp. With permanent all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, it’s safe to say that the Cayenne S Hybrid is spectacular.

2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo front

The auto industry was taken by storm this 2016 by eco-friendly cars. The array of models is endless, and it’s safe to say that this is just the beginning. Faster hybrids are coming up next, as well as faster fully-electrics. Manufacturers are constantly striving to wow its customer base, whether they’re average buyers searching for convenience or top-tier collectors hunting for the most exclusive models on the market. As far as future expectations are concerned, there’s no doubt that in the following 5 years all the above mentioned manufactures will come up with even better variants.

By Christopher Austin and Design911.co.uk!

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Plug-In Battery EVs vs. Conventional Vehicles: A CO2 Equivalent Emission Analysis

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Here is a life cycle emissions comparison between electric vehicles and conventional internal combustion engine vehicles that I wrote with a team of other graduate students a few years ago in 2012. It might be of some use to anyone who wants to learn more about life cycle emissions analysis and comparisons. This lifetime emissions analysis includes manufacturing, vehicle operation, and disposal emissions. Notably, it also takes into account which state of the USA a person would charge his/her vehicle in, and how that the electricity generation portfolio of that state affects life cycle emissions. Anyways, feel free to download and share.
[embeddoc url=”https://onelectriccars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/E555-Plug-in-EV-Emissions.pdf” download=”all”]

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How Manufacturers Can Make A More Convincing Case For Electric Cars

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There’s no denying that one of the most exciting types of vehicles you can buy today are electric cars. From the unique Renault Twizy to the luxurious Tesla Model S, there’s a car for everyone.

 

You would think that there’d be a huge take-up of electric cars. Especially given their environmental benefits. But, sales of EVs have yet to compete with those of conventional vehicles.

 

So, is there anything that electric car manufacturers can do to offer a more convincing case? Well, it turns out there is, and some of the following ideas are already in development:

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Extend the range on a full charge

 

One of the biggest criticisms EV manufacturers face is the limited range offered. Many electric cars can only achieve a realistic range of just 100 miles before needing a charge.

 

Some vehicles, such as the Tesla I mentioned a moment ago, offer more than three times that amount. But, for most EVs, the capacity isn’t available. There are two reasons that stand in the way: technology and cost.

 

The former is something that car makers are working on as I type this. But, the main issue is with the latter reason: the cost. You can’t increase battery capacity without passing on the cost of extra parts. And that means fewer motorists will buy EVs.

 

Car makers need to increase battery capacity. And they need to do so without driving up the cost of buying their vehicles.

 

Wireless charging

 

Another bugbear that electric vehicles must contend with is charging. Sure, you can have a dedicated charging point installed at your home. And you can use one of the many public ones available in most areas.

 

But, that means you have to wait while your car is getting a charge before you can continue your journey. The answer to that conundrum, of course, is wireless charging!

 

In England, trials are due to start of under-road charging for electric vehicles. That’s thanks to a five-year, £500-million project. In South Korea, wireless charging is already available – albeit for the country’s electric buses.

 

If wireless or “inductive” charging were available, it would get rid of “range anxiety.” And I can tell you, I’d be the first person to sell my car with AutoTrader and get a new electric vehicle. I’d also encourage the rest of my family to do the same!

 

Better prices

 

The main hurdle with electric cars is that some of them are out of people’s reach. They cost more to buy than conventional petrol and diesel alternatives. That’s because the technology costs car makers more money to use. And that means those extra costs get passed onto you, the consumer.

 

Car makers and their suppliers need to reach better deals to help lower the cost of electric vehicles. There is only so much in the way of fossil fuels that we can use on Earth!


I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading today’s blog post. Do share with us your thoughts on the subject, and feel free to share a link to the article on your social media pages. See you soon!

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What are the Pros and Cons of Buying an Electric Car?

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Buying an electric car can be a great move, but there is a lot to consider. There are cons as well as pros, so read on to find out more.

Pros

Electric cars are becoming popular for many reasons. The main reason for people buying them is the fact that they’re clean and don’t pollute the Earth as much as ordinary fuel cars. And not being reliant on gas also has its financial perks. One of the biggest costs attached to owning a car is the amount of money you spend each month on fuel. By driving an electric car, you cut out that cost entirely. So, you’ll be able to feel good about your environmentally friendly approach to driving and save some cash at the same time.

The fuel savings aren’t the only savings you’ll make by driving an electric car either. The starting costs of a decent electric car are surprisingly low, and many are cheaper than similar fuel reliant alternatives. Retailers like Imperial Car Supermarket stock hundreds of used cars and models like the Nissan Leaf can be found in good condition at decent prices. And then there’s the road tax and insurance to consider. Electric cars are often exempt from road tax and also tend to be very cheap to insure.

The drive you get is incredible too. You’ll be surprised at how satisfying it is to drive an electric car if you’ve never done it before. The electric engine is near silent, and the road has never felt smoother! They’re a joy to drive.

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Cons

Charging the battery of the car uses electricity, and a lot of people forget that this isn’t a clean energy source. Yes, it is better than releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere via your car every day. But CO2 is released by the energy companies that provide you with you electricity. This means there’s still a long way to go before we reach the point at which electric cars are a truly clean way of driving. Electricity isn’t free either, so you will be paying for running your car, albeit less than a fuel car.

Because electric cars are still in the vast minority, it can also be difficult to find a place to charge them. You’ll have a charging point installed at your home, but there might not be too many other around, especially if you live outside of the city. So, you could get stranded if your battery runs out and there’s no charging point nearby. This will mean that you might be a little reluctant to travel far from home.

You won’t reach very high speeds in an electric car because of the power of the battery. As yet, not many of these cars haven’t been built for speed, but that shouldn’t be an issue if you’re driving on ordinary roads. The final worry to think about is the issue of space. The battery can take up a lot of space that then eats into your internal space as manufacturers like to keep the cars small and light.

There’s a lot to think about before buying an electric car. Make sure you weigh up these pros and cons and think about how they’ll affect you before coming to a conclusion.

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The Best Things About Buying an Electric Car

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If you’re considering buying a car these days, you might want to think about buying electric. Electric cars are a greener way of driving, and they represent the future of cars. There are an awful lot of advantages to buying an electric car. Here are just some of the best things about them. These should encourage you to go out and buy one.

Cheaper

You’ll find that electric cars often end up being cheaper than a lot of regular cars. They’ll be cheaper to buy in some cases. But the main way in which you’re going to save money is that they are cheaper to run. You see electric cars don’t require petrol to run, and instead run on electricity. All you have to do is charge your car at an electricity port overnight, and you’re good to go. You will save so much money by using an electric car that it will more than make up for if you paid more to get one. It’s also convenient as it means you don’t have to pull over on journey’s to fill your car up with petrol. As the cost of petrol increases, it’s becoming less and less affordable. Going electric certainly makes sense in this capacity.

Preparing for the Future

When you buy an electric car, you’ll be helping the environment. But just as important as that you’ll be preparing for the future. There will come a time soon when electric cars will reign supreme. It might be quite a way off at this point, but it can’t hurt to prepare. Indeed, many car manufacturers are already taking steps to prepare, with the release of hybrids. In fact, it won’t be long before you’ll b e able to visit the GK Group and find hybrids alongside their vast selection of used cars. Hybrid cars symbolise the fact that many manufacturers know electric cars will shape the future. They want to try to integrate the green ethos of electric vehicles with their designs.

Greener

One of the best things about buying electric cars is the fact that they are eco-friendly. These days it’s important to look towards greener living. We need to look after the planet and take steps in our daily lives that will benefit the environment. One of the big ways to do this is through buying an electric car. Regular cars produce harmful CO2 emissions that are bad for the environment and pollute the ozone layer. Electric cars produce nothing of the sort. They run on electricity, not petrol and thus have no emissions. They can just be charged when they run low on electricity, so they make for a much more environmentally sound car.

Less Maintenance

A great advantage of an electric car over a regular one is the lack of maintenance. Electric cars contain fewer parts than regular cars. As a result, they are less prone to problems than normal cars are. What you look for in a car is reliability, and electric cars are reliable. They run on a charge so are less susceptible to poor conditions. With an electric car, you’ll likely find yourself in the service garage much less than you would with a regular car.

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Why You Need to Buy An Electric Car

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When you’re shopping around for your next car, you should give serious thought to going electric. Electric cars are the greener healthier alternative to more regular motors. They also look set to shape the future of automobiles. Many manufacturers are slowly beginning to integrate hybrid models into their releases. And there’s likely to come a time in the future when electric cars will reign supreme.

Here are some of the main reasons why you want to think about getting yourself an electric car:

Cheaper

One of the most compelling reasons you should buy an electric car is because they’re much cheaper than petrol powered cars. Okay, to buy they might cost a similar amount, but the running costs will work out to be much less. Because electric cars don’t run on petrol, they cost a lot less to operate. To run 100 miles on electricity is much less expensive than doing the same journey with petrol. Another major advantage is that you won’t have to deal with the issue of rising fuel costs. Each year it seems like the cost of petrol is on the rise, hitting drivers in the wallet. But if you have an electric car you sidestep this issue altogether, and you end up paying the same price all the time.

Look to the Future

If you’ve given any thought to buying an electric car the time to do it would be now. They will only increase in popularity. And in the future there may come a time when the only cars we drive are electric cars. A time when you’ll be able to visit an automotive retail centre and drive away behind the wheel of an electric car. With the news this month that Apple has started work on an electric car the future looks bright. It won’t be long before electric vehicles become the more popular choice, and their prices climb. Make sure you get one now to prepare yourself for the future of automotive travel.

Less Maintenance

When you have a petrol powered car, one of the biggest pains is the constant servicing and maintenance that’s needed. Well, with electric cars you can wave this problem goodbye. They are cheap and easy to maintain. Our friends at Inchcape Toyota clarified that there are fewer moving parts than on cars powered by gasoline and there aren’t problems with fiddly internal issues preventing the car from working. As long as the battery gets plugged in on charge you should have no issues running the car. Think about how great it would be to not have to make that journey to the service garage every few weeks.

Eco-Friendly

Electric cars are much more environmentally conscious than their petrol powered counterparts. These days it’s important that we all to steps to be a little more green. Looking after planet Earth is something that is high on most people’s agendas, and it should be high on yours. An electric car produces none of those harmful CO2 emissions that play havoc with the ozone layer. As such you don’t have to worry about the harmful gasses you’re pumping into the atmosphere. Sure, the electricity must come from somewhere, but it will be a much less harmful source than petrol.