- There are four basic types of green cars currently in use today; electric, hybrid, natural gas, and biodiesel. Electric cars get their power exclusively from the grid or from a specialized charging station. Hybrid cars use a gas-powered internal combustion engine to power an electric motor. There are also plug-in hybrids that can get electricity from an ordinary power outlet. Natural gas is typically used as a fuel in large vehicles such as garbage and delivery trucks. Biodiesel vehicles can run on vegetable oil which has been altered for use as a fuel source. Other types of green cars--such as the hydrogen fuel cell car--are currently in development.
- The primary advantage of the electric car is that it gives off zero emissions. Hybrid cars are more fuel efficient than cars powered only by an internal combustion engine. Natural gas vehicles produce dramatically less emissions than petroleum-fueled cars. They are also safer to drive, and the fuel is less expensive. Biodiesel fuel can be made from recycled waste oil, and is less toxic than petroleum. Combustion of biodiesel produces about 78% less carbon dioxide than burning petroleum-based fuels.
- Electric cars can operate only for short distances and at low speeds. They must be recharged before they can be used again. They typically use dirty energy from the grid rather than clean energy from a renewable source. Hybrid cars produce pollution like other gas-powered cars. They can also be significantly more expensive than ordinary gas-powered cars. Biodiesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline. Although the source of biodiesel fuel is renewable, it still uses the Earth's resources. Biodiesel cars can experience technical problems such as clogged fuel lines. Also, biodiesel is not readily available.
- Electric cars have a power cord that can plug into an ordinary electrical outlet. Hybrid vehicles have a gas-powered engine which produces electricity to run electric motors. There are also solar charging stations and solar roofs available for both electric and hybrid vehicles. Natural gas cars use methane which has been processed to remove all hydrocarbons. Some larger natural gas vehicles use the gas in its liquid form. Many regular diesel vehicles have been adapted to use biodiesel. Biodiesel is typically made from vegetable oil with lye or alcohol. This separates glycerine from the oil and changes it to a form that a car can burn.
- Electric vehicles are typically only useful for driving short distances, such as around a neighborhood. Hybrid vehicles are by far the most popular of all green cars since they are most like a gas-powered vehicle. Natural gas cars are used around the world in countries such as the United States and Europe. However, they're uncommon since there are few natural gas stations. Biodiesel cars are commonly used, despite the lack of fueling stations because biodiesel can be made from scratch.
