How to choose your eco-friendly car?

Driving a car with an internal combustion engine in the city and in traffic jams pollutes the environment. With the intense emission of carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other fine particles contained in fuels such as gasoline and diesel, it is clear that the environment becomes polluted. Therefore, the design of eco-friendly vehicles was a logical step to preserve the atmosphere. However, acquiring this type of vehicle is not straightforward for some families, given that several factors are involved, namely the cost, usage patterns, tax implications, and above all, the vehicle’s environmental impact. The choice at the time of purchase thus depends on its usefulness but also on other criteria decided by the driver.

What are the different types of eco-friendly cars available?

It is important to know that eco-friendly vehicles have specific characteristics, but their common goal is environmental preservation. The electric car

This refers to a car powered by a green energy source such as photovoltaic panels. It needs to be recharged during off-peak hours. It produces no local pollution, meaning that CO2, NOx, and fine particulate emissions are very low. Thanks to its integrated battery, the vehicle’s range depends on its capacity.

More precisely, this energy independence is limited to only 400 km, hence the need to recharge the car for extended periods. It is also essential to consider that the car’s weight influences its environmental impact, as its energy consumption is linked to the battery’s volume. The cost of a small electric car is often not affordable for everyone.The CNG car

This car runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). The use of fossil fuels may be noticeable, especially for heating. Its range reaches up to 350 km. The CNG engine is designed for hybrids; therefore, a small gasoline tank is included to facilitate starting for a few kilometers. The hybrid vehicle is a vehicle in which two engines, electric and internal combustion, operate alternately. Four types of hybrid cars have been developed: the micro hybrid, the mild hybrid, the full hybrid, and the plug-in hybrid. The micro hybrid is characterized by its stop-start function, meaning the engine shuts off when the car is stopped and restarts once the brake is released. This reduces fuel consumption in the city but is not advantageous in traffic jams. The mild hybrid is an evolution of the stop-start system. Its advantages include the addition of a starter-generator and a regenerative braking system. This allows the battery to recharge while simultaneously assisting the combustion engine during acceleration, resulting in improved engine performance.

The full hybrid, in addition to operating similarly to the two previous types of vehicles, allows for 100% electric motor use up to 50 km, after which it alternates with the combustion engine. The car’s power output is therefore derived from the combined operation of both engines.

The plug-in hybrid is a car that can travel up to 50 km on electric power alone. It offers the same advantage as a fully electric car. Longer journeys are more beneficial for the vehicle’s range. Since the battery’s weight significantly impacts energy consumption, it’s essential to choose a lighter model and drive on electric power as much as possible. Also, to ensure a good charge, you should limit your daily driving to a maximum of 40 km. The biodiesel or HVO vehicle:

Diesel is produced from hydrotreated vegetable oils. This new product is compatible with all current diesel vehicles. Its CO2 emissions are lower compared to fossil diesel. The same is true for particulate matter and NOx. However, it competes with food production.

Gasoline/Bioethanol: This refers to the E85 biofuel, or super ethanol, which is 85% bioethanol with 15% conventional gasoline. This biofuel is more efficient for short trips. It turns out that this type of car is cheaper to buy but more expensive to maintain and tax. To run on bioethanol, a conversion kit is required. Like biodiesel, this biofuel competes with food production. What is the ecological bonus?How do you choose an eco-friendly car? This is an enhanced incentive for the purchase of low-emission vehicles, including new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and certain electric vehicles, under specific conditions. Who is eligible?Any individual or legal entity that has purchased or leased the car for at least two years.

The purchase option is available for passenger cars, vans, and two-, three-, or four-wheeled vehicles.

What are the conditions for receiving the ecological bonus?

For new vehicles, it is important that CO2 emissions be less than 50g per km. They must not be sold within 6 months of purchase, nor have driven 6,000 km. As for used cars, CO2 emissions must not exceed 20g per km (electric vehicles). They must be purchased or leased for a minimum of 2 years after their first registration within those 2 years or following the invoice for the first lease payment. They must not be sold within 2 years. How to choose the right battery and motor?

There are 3 types of batteries on the market. First, there is Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), the most common and widespread. It is inexpensive and holds a charge well. Second, there is Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP), which is rare in electric vehicles. Its power supply is constant, making it suitable for vehicles used multiple times a day. As for the

polymer (Li-Po) battery, it is lightweight and compact, and it is highly resistant to cold. It needs to be charged and discharged regularly to maintain its capacity.