The Newest Hybrid Cars to Reduce Environmental Impact

Automobiles are a primary cause of air pollution around the world. The greenhouse gases emitted by these vehicles, such as carbondioxide adversely affect the ozone layer. Contribute to global warming as well as polluting the soil and surface water in many cases.

While cars are an everyday necessity and convenience, they alsoaffect the environment adversely. That’s part of the reason some governments such as the US government is offering tax incentives to those who purchase hybrid or electric vehicles, as well as challenging automakers to develop vehicles by 2025 that are able to achieve 55 mpg on the highway.

We’ll however focus on some of the hybrids and electric vehicles that either greatly reduce or eliminate fuel emissions altogether, both new and used. Here’s a closer look:

2011 Toyota Prius

The 2011 Toyota Prius as one of the best used cars that you can purchase for under $20,000. It achieves 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg highway. The Prius model is perhaps the most popular hybrid vehicle to date with its distinguished look and affordable sticker price. It also scores very well in terms of safety and reliability, two factors which have helped its brand

2012 Chevy Volt

The Chevy Volt is a hybrid electric vehicle, meaning that it has the capability to run on both an electric battery and a conventional gas-powered engine, and transfer between the two power sources seamlessly. Between the electric battery and gas engine, it can achieve up to 95 mpg city and 93 mpg highway and offers a range of about 300 miles. It however costs as much as $40,000. However, that comes with a $7,500 tax credit in the US. It’s still a lot to swallow for a mid-size sedan, but a used Volt can help offset some of that price.

2012 Lexus CT 200h

The 2012 Lexus CT 200h is said to be the most fuel-efficient model in its vehicle class. In fact, the car gets a combined 42 mpg (city and highway) and it starts at just under $30,000. While the price, fuel economy and roominess of the vehicle are all attractive options, one big downside to the car is its acceleration. However, pn looking for a hybrid or electric vehicle, one is not probably as concerned about the 0 to 60 mph time as much as about saving money at the pump and helping reduce the harmful emissions in the environment.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

 

VW’s flagship Jetta vehicle is now available in a hybrid model version. It features a combined fuel economy of 45 mpg and also offers drivers to cruise up to 45 mph for over a mile in an electric eco mode that the vehicle is also equipped with. The Jetta is designed to compete with Honda and Toyota hybrid models and comes with a starting base price of $26,000.