The Truth Behind Green Cars

When it comes to green cars, most consumers would say they are largely uninformed. There are also a lot of fears and misconceptions associated with owning a green car, including its being too expensive or unattractive, having a limited selection available and lacking enough charging stations.

Despite these factors, a new AAA survey shows 20 percent, or 50 million Americans, will likely go electric for their next vehicle purchase, up from 15 percent in 2017. The top motivators for buying an electric car, per the survey, include concern for the environment, lower long-term costs, cutting-edge technology and access to the carpool lane.

Green vehicles are defined as fuel-efficient, low-emitting vehicles and include cars and light trucks in a variety of categories. The categories are determined by their primary source of power, such as gasoline, diesel fuel or battery.

Here’s a closer look at some of the most-asked questions about green vehicles.

Driving Down Costs

Like most vehicles, green cars come in a range of prices, including many options below $30,000. The market for green cars is expanding, so the range of price options is increasing.

Most surprising to people is the fact that electric vehicles can have a lower-than-average driving cost, averaging around $8,439 per year. Maintenance and repair costs are also the lowest at $982 per year, as they do not have a gasoline engine to maintain. In the AAA Green Car Survey, 67 percent said they are interested in the lower long-term costs of an electric vehicle.

And the savings are not just for electric cars. Ethanol used in flexible-fuel vehicles tends to be cheaper than gasoline, and PZEV (partial-zero-emissions vehicles) and hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles do not rely on gasoline as a power source either, thus reducing gasoline costs. Fuel-efficient vehicles reduce reliance on gasoline, which has quite the monetary impact over the course of a year.

Plus, some new electric and hybrid vehicles are eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500.

Hidden in Plain Sight

Green cars have come a long way. While some may have that stereotypical look associated with a green or electric vehicle, most of them, especially the newer models, blend right in and would be tough to recognize as a green car. If anything, they stand out for their rapidly developing technology features and the more simplified look that many consumers are seeking today.

The Growing Green Marketplace

There are more green car options than ever. Competition among carmakers is intensifying in the green car market, which means buyers can afford to be pickier and find a car that fits all their criteria. From subcompact to minivans, there are options available in every category and price range. Green cars will continue to expand their offerings, along with new technology. According to the AAA survey, more than half of Americans interested in going green for their next car are excited about the cutting-edge technology.

More Power

Access to charging stations is a common concern for people looking to buy an electric car, or any car requiring a charge as the primary source of power. However, there are now more than 16,000 charging stations across the U.S., with more being constantly added. And according to the AAA survey, while this used to be a primary concern, the percentage has gone down, and Americans are less worried about finding a place to charge than ever before. As sales of electric and battery-charged vehicles continue to rise, the number of charging stations will continue to increase as well.

The impact on the environment also isn’t minimal; carbon dioxide emitted from vehicles in the U.S. is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gases, which are known to be one of the largest contributors to climate change. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, an estimated 150 million—nearly half of all Americans—live in areas that don’t meet federal air-quality standards. To find out how your car, or your dream car, ranks regarding gas mileage, fuel costs, greenhouse-gas rating and smog rating, visit fueleconomy.gov.

Green cars are here to stay, and more than ever, Americans are jumping on the bandwagon for the vast number of benefits and the shrinking number of cons. As with any vehicle purchase, it’s important to be informed and do your research to find the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

The Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center rates and ranks electric, hybrid, compressed-natural-gas-powered, diesel and high-fuel-economy gasoline-powered vehicles for the annual AAA Green Car Guide. Vehicles are rated on the criteria that are most important to car buyers, including ride quality, safety and performance.

Visit AAA.com/greencar to learn more.