There is a growing concern about the environment and the desire to improve
energy-efficiency—especially when it comes to vehicles—it is important to have
an understanding of how to be more energy-efficient, as well as the advantages
that come along with it. Recently, there has been much activity in the auto
industry. And now, there is a stronger push to enhance car technologies in
order to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and help the environment.
Here are some advantages of energy-efficient cars:
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Americans have been spending more money filling up their cars due to higher gas
prices, and the auto industry believes higher gas prices are here to stay. With
an energy-efficient car, drivers save a substantial amount of money when
filling up at the pump. Prices of cars may be slightly higher, but the savings
on gas will make up for the initial expense.
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From a manufacturing perspective, it’s becoming more difficult to build
vehicles that require more fuel. And, with current safety and emissions
technologies adding weight, the fuel economy of these larger vehicles is
adversely affected. Smaller and lighter vehicles save on energy and have better
overall efficiency.
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Hybrid technology and low mass are the most cost-effective strategies to better
fuel economy. Hybrids are gaining more traction and becoming more mainstream.
For example, there will be more hybrid minivans, crossovers, and SUVs. By 2020,
hybrids could comprise twenty percent of the entire U.S. fleet.
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The Cash for Clunkers program succeeded at encouraging consumers to purchase
smaller, more efficient vehicles. The cars purchased through this program were
on average 19% more fuel efficient than the average for all new cars available.
This program positively affected American consumers, the economy, and the
environment.
With advanced technologies developing at a rapid pace, better fuel economy is
on the horizon. This means more advantages for you, especially when you are a
driver of an energy-efficient car.
