April 19th, 2011 
Tushar Mathur As environmental awareness becomes more prevalent in everyday life, there is a need to live in a sustainable and energy efficient way, including the type of car you drive.
As fuel prices rise and resources run low, future car technologies include new materials and types of fuel, all in an attempt to make cars more energy efficient and less damaging to the environment.
Hybrid, battery and fuel-cell vehicles are forming part of the future face of motoring and offer an eco-friendly alternative.
Hybrid cars use two or more power sources, such as petrol and electric. Hybrid cars have engines similar to those found on most cars apart from size. The hybrid engine tends to be smaller and uses technologies which help to reduce emissions and maximise efficiency.
A fuel tank and electric motor help to work together to actually move the car forward though most hybrid motors are capable of acting as a generator too, restoring any unused energy to the batteries so it can be used later.
Battery
Battery, or electric, cars require only rechargeable batteries in order to run. When required, energy is drawn from the electric-cells and converted to motive power by the use of an electric motor.
The cars batteries store electrical energy and are simply recharged via a connection to an electricity supply. Electric vehicles can usually be slow charged or fast charged, depending on how much time you have.
Slow charging takes about six to eight hours and is often down overnight. You can usually fast charge your car too with around ten minutes needed for a 50% charge.
Street recharging units are being introduced in the United Kingdom so you can easily top up your car whilst on the go.
Fuel Cell
Fuel cell cars are very similar to battery operated vehicles. Instead of drawing energy from a battery, a fuel cell converts chemical energy in order to run the car.
A fuel cell relies on an electro-chemical reaction taking place. This reaction then produces electricity which is used to make the car run.
Refuelling a fuel cell car may require the use of substances such as hydrogen and methanol, making the process similar to the traditional method of topping your car with fuel as both of these materials are liquids.
As well as saving money on fuel as well as doing your it for the environment, driving an eco-friendly car can reap other benefits. Congestion charges are waived for drivers of electric cars in London whilst road tax is generally waived 100% throughout the UK for battery vehicles. You may even find your car insurance costs decrease and if not, at least you’ve saved money elsewhere to make up for it!
Jennifer is a part of the digital blogging team at cashzilla.co.uk who work with a growing number of finance brands. For more information about me, or to keep up to date with the latest in finance news, check out my posts at cashzilla.co.uk or visit my Twitter account, @cashzilla.
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