High mileage vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, plug-in hybrids, electric, ... Confused? Survey confirms that you are not alone. The fast proliferation of eco-friendly vehicles helps to fuel confusion which may inadvertently hinder sales.
Not all green cars are the same. Before jumping onto the green wagon, be sure to select carefully. There are tradeoffs among size, mileage, driving range, and power, to name a few. It is important to select the one that fits your lifestyle. For example, many people are concerned about being stranded in an electric car. Study shows that ~95% of study participants drive fewer than 120 miles a day. So for most people driving range should not be the main determinant. On the other hand, for someone who lives up the hill or needs to do heavy hauling, other factors like energy and torque become important considerations. A multi-car family can mix and match the type of vehicle to the needs at different times.
Greg Rock, our guest, shared these supporting analysis.
Besides lifestyle, the current state and future direction of the transportation system in your neighborhood should also be taken into consideration. The state, county or city governments play a major role in steering the future direction of transportation initiatives. Are they more inclined to expanding roadways, encouraging public transit, or building infrastructure and creating incentives to support green car usage? Get involved and make your opinions count.
But how about ditching the car altogether? Biking is a great commuting option in the beautiful summer in the Pacific Northwest. There are also public transportation, car share programs, car pooling, and many other resources online that help you rid the wheels.
Find the best solution for you and Mother Earth.
Listen to broadcast 06/25/13
Greg Rock, Co-founder, The Green Car Company