Environmentally Friendly Cars — Cars Cruise the News

Electric cars and environmentally friendly vehicles have many benefits, and sales have been increasing throughout the years. Many people are attracted to these vehicles because they save money and help the environment. American gas purchases for their vehicles can cost up to $4,000 each year. This cost could be reduced, with the use of electric cars. Some electric vehicles also have a gas engine enabling them to travel longer distances without charging. If the car is an electric powered vehicle only, maintenance costs will be less because engine oil changes and tune ups will not be necessary.

The price of the electric car will be lower because there are federal tax reimbursements of $7,500, and many states offer incentives as well.

These vehicles help the environment because they do not burn gas, but the energy used to charge the vehicle can pollute. Overall, though, they are more environmentally friendly compared to gas vehicles. On average, electric vehicles can go 43 miles per dollar of electric. Once the battery of these cars are no longer usable, they can be recycled.

**Wikimedia**, **Flickr**, **iStock Photo**, **Wikimedia**, **Pixabay** Images edited by Matt G.

There are some negatives with the purchase of an electric vehicle because they take time to charge. Due to the weight of these batteries, the vehicle’s distance travelled is affected.

It is pricy to replace the batteries (about $10,000 per 100,000 miles), and although engine service will no longer be necessary, if an issue occurs, a vehicle will have to go to the dealer to be fixed.

**Wikimedia**, **Plug In Cars**, **HGM Sites**, and **Clean Technica** Images edited by Matt G.

New electric cars feature a rechargeable battery, so when driving, the car will not run out of power as quickly. There are three ways to charge your electric vehicle: your home’s outlet (12 hrs to charge), a newly improved vehicle charger (~ 6 hrs to charge), or a city charging area.

Overall, electric cars will help the environment, save you money, and decrease the amount of pollution distributed.

This chart shows how the electric car sales increased throughout the years from 2007 to 2016.

Information from: J.D. Power, How Stuff Works, and Autotrader.