Did you know climate change will lead to the extinction of 70-percent of animals and plant species by the end of the century? About 1/3rd of them will vanish by the year 2050! While it’s the responsibility of every individual to contribute to environmental well-being, most changes are required in the automotive industry. It’s because internal combustion cars are one of the top reasons for global warming.
Fortunately, companies have taken notice and have already started improving the system by creating sustainable cars. In this article, we’ll discuss the top eco-friendly features of these cars and upcoming trends. Read more!
LED Light Bulbs
LEDs, also called light-emitting diode bulbs, are a simple and easy way to make cars sustainable. These energy-efficient bulbs last outstandingly long. Plus, they save up to 75% more electricity than incandescent lights and 50% more than fluorescents.
Since they consume less energy, they emit less heat too. As per a study, using LEDs in cars can help reduce 1400-million tons of CO2. If this number sounds insignificant, know that it is equal to 1250-power stations!
It is why automotive companies have started switching halogen and other types of bulbs used in car headlights with LEDs. Some famous examples include Volvo S90, Toyota Corolla, and Cadillac CT6.
Recycled & Lightweight Materials
The materials sector is witnessing way more rapid changes than any other sector in the automotive market. Premium brands, like Volvo and GN, are continuously looking for ways to incorporate recycled materials into the car building. In fact, BMW has set an amazing example by sourcing 50% of aluminum, 25% steel, and 20% plastics from recycled pieces!
Other than this, car manufacturers have also decided to make the vehicles more lightweight without compromising on durability. It’s because the car’s weight has a significant impact on fuel usage. A light car consumes less fuel to move forward, and vice versa.
Typically, a 10% lighter car can enhance fuel economy by around 6 to 8%. So, companies are looking toward high-strength yet lightweight metals like steel, aluminum alloys, polymer composite, and carbon fiber. All these metals can make the car up to 50% light.
Green Number Plates
A new and highly-effective trend that has sprung up in automotive is the use of green number plates. These are standard license plates with a broad green bar. It lets people know that the car is a cleaner and more sustainable vehicle.
Local authorities can grant such car owners incentives and cheaper parking. They can also provide easy access to bus lanes and zero-emission zones. All these benefits help create awareness and promote the use of sustainable vehicles.
Recently, green car plate owners are taking this initiative one step ahead by personalizing their license plates. Having a unique green plate truly sets the car apart from others and boosts awareness about sustainability. See here for more personalized car plate information!
Partial Zero-Emission Vehicles
Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle technology (PZEVs) has the market buzzing with ideas and possibilities. The technology focuses on reducing the release of emissions into the atmosphere by almost 90%. It does so by improving the engine, fuel economy, and overall emission system commonly used in cars.
These cars are the best environmentally friendly option available today. They are also less complex to modify and repair. You even get a 15-year long warranty that ensures excellent functionality and zero-emission into the surroundings. Some brands are now working on mixing PZEV technology with others to create hybrid models that run on both fuel and electricity.
Electric Vehicle Technology
Perhaps, the greatest move toward a better future is the introduction of electric vehicle technology. It enables the cars to run on renewable energy – electricity. Plus, it emits little to no harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
Up till now, the most work done in EV cars production and marketing is by Tesla Motors. All of their product range revolves around electricity. However, other car brands are also shifting their ways.
For example, Ford and Mercedes Benz have pledged to eliminate the production of gas vehicles by 2040. Instead, they will focus on making EVs and other sustainable vehicles. That said, the use of batteries in electric cars still raises questions about future sustainability.
Author Bio:
Arslan Hassan is an electrical engineer with a passion for writing, designing, and anything tech-related. His educational background in the technical field has given him the edge to write on many topics.
