On green cars: are eco-friendly cars the feature?

Eco-friendly cars are defined as any automobile that has reduced energy use as well as lower carbon and other emissions. The methods used to achieve an eco-friendly status vary by car maker; some make a more efficient engine, while others make motors that run on alternative fuels. Other models run on electric power, or a combination of electricity and gasoline. Some eco-friendly cars have recyclable parts and rechargeable batteries that last longer than their conventional counterparts.

Hybrid vehicles are one of the most popular eco-friendly transportation types. They get their name from the combination of multiple power sources (typically electricity and gasoline). Cars usually run on batteries during low-speed driving, and the gas engine kicks in at higher speeds. Starting from a stop will use the gas engine, but constant-speed driving can be done with the electric motor.

Alternative fuel sources are magnetic, wind, and solar power. None of these are commercially viable yet, but developments are coming at an ever-faster pace. As the demand for oil increases, availability is decreasing, and car makers are looking for different ways to power their offerings. Eco-friendly cars are a way to reduce a country's dependence on foreign oil.

Some eco-friendly cars don't use alternative fuels, but instead use much less gasoline than a regular car. Some can operate on a mere pint of gas, as opposed to multiple gallons. By using far less fuel, an eco-friendly car will emit far less pollution while still having adequate performance. The most eco-friendly cars are those that aren't driven as frequently, meaning that any car can become more Earth-savvy simply by being used less.