Hybrid cars show promise as a solution to the problem of fuel scarcity and environmental destruction. Although this kind of car is quite similar with petrol-powered cars, they differ by having two or more power sources. Petrol is generally one of the power sources used while others (although not commercially available as yet) are solar energy, LPG, pressurized air, fuel cells, electric batteries, hydrogen, liquefied nitrogen, wind energy, biofuels and even manpower (and we may never see that last one in the showroom!).

Car companies have been working through different combinations of power sources to come up with the most efficient, cost-effective and environment friendly hybrid car. The technicalities of how to come up with such a vehicle can be mind boggling but we are certain of the environmental benefits we can get from this pursuing this  technology.

In comparison to petrol-powered cars, hybrid cars help preserve the environment in several ways:

1. Burning gasoline emits plenty of harmful chemicals, pollutants and byproducts that destroy the Earth’s atmosphere and adversely affect our health. By comparison, hybrid cars produce less and cleaner emissions and thus minimal environmental pollution.
2. Aside from reducing air pollution, hybrid cars run silently. Even when operating on electric power mode, there is significantly less noise pollution and hence less impact.
3. Fuel efficiency is another advantage in using hybrid cars. The mileage of hybrid cars exceeds that of petrol-powered cars by up to 30-40%. Other features include reusing energy used for braking, and improved economy through the use of better tyres and advanced aerodynamics.

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90% unleaded petrol and 10% fuel ethanol blends are commonly referred to as E10 and this blend is available in many service stations throughout Australia. Those petrol stations operating under BP, Caltex, Shell and United all sell the E10 fuel blend.

Pros-
· Depending on the source and method, Bioethanol generally reduces carbon dioxide by up to 70%.

Cons-
· The 5% Bioethanol blend is only limited and sold at few outlets
· Bioethanol vehicles cost more than petrol vehicles

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Normal diesel contains only around 5% Biodiesel and the rest diesel, but this is not good on our environment. The benefits of Biodiesel are:
· it is renewable
· gives up to 60 percent reduction of C02
· is highly biodegradable which means it does not pollute soil and waterways if it happens to split.

Although there are benefits, there are also some cons of Biodiesel fuel. These are:
· oxides of nitrogen are higher in Biodiesel which adds to the smog pollution.
· There are only a few refueling stations available, compared with everyday petrol, LPG and diesel
· You will most likely need your engine to be modified to use the Biodiesel 100 percent and make the most from the renewable fuel.

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Green vehicles have low (or zero) carbon emissions, are highly fuel efficient and are made of materials that can be easily recycled once the car has run its race.

Here are a couple of the best options for those looking to buy a green car.

Smart For Two

It’s been quite a few years since Smart cars hit the roads, and they are still a big hit with environmentally conscious inner-urban commuters. The Smart For Two Cabrio 52kW MHD is a recent model that boasts an excellent fuel-to-kilometres ratio (4.4 litres to 100 kilometres). It is also lauded for its terrific low CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions (105 grams per kilometre).

Toyota Prius

Toyota has been a market leader when it comes to green cars, and the company’s flagship environmentally friendly model is the Prius. The Prius performs remarkably similarly to the Smart For Two both in terms of fuel-to-kilometres ratio (4.4 litres) and CO2 grams per kilometre (106).

Fiat 500

Sporting a zippy 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine is the Fiat 500. Fiat is known for its classy European designs and efficiency, and this model is no exception. A very good (5 litres) ratio of fuel-to-kilometres is matched by a great CO2 grams per kilometre spec (118).

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