Green Vehicle - Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency

See also: Low-energy vehicle

Cars with similar production energy costs can obtain, during the life of the car (operational phase), large reductions in energy costs through several measures:

  • The most significant is by using alternative propulsion:
    • An efficient engine that reduces the vehicle's consumption of petroleum (i.e. petroleum electric hybrid vehicle), or, preferably, that uses renewable energy sources throughout its working life.
    • Using biofuels instead of petroleum fuels.
  • Proper maintenance of a vehicle such as engine tune-ups, oil changes, and maintaining proper tire pressure can also help.
  • Removing unnecessary items from a vehicle reduces weight and improves fuel economy as well.
Comparison of several types of green car basic characteristics
(Values are overall for vehicles in current production and may differ between types)
Type of vehicle/
powertrain		 Fuel economy
(mpg equivalent)		 Range Production cost
for given range		 Reduction in CO2
compared to conventional		 Payback period
Conventional ICE 10-78 Long
(400-600 mi)		 Low 0% -
Biodiesel 18-71 Long
(360-540 mi)		 Low 100% -
All-electric 54-118 Shorter
(73-150 mi)
Luxury models
Medium
(160-300 mi)		 High

Very high		 varies depending
on energy source		 -
Hydrogen fuel cell 80 Astronomical
Hybrid electric 30-60 380 mi Medium 5 years

Read more about this topic:  Green Vehicle

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