Driving a car, van, or lorry often involves inflicting a lot of damage on the natural world. According to government statistics, transport is responsible for around a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK – and if you’re driving a road vehicle, then your per-capita emissions are likely to be disproportionately high.
So, what can be done to limit this damage, and make eco-friendly choices?
Understanding the Environmental Impact of Different Vehicles
You might assume that the easiest way to limit your emissions is to simply buy an electric vehicle. These vehicles are powered by lithium-ion batteries rather than internal combustion engines. They don’t produce any exhaust fumes, and thus they’re always likely to be on the right side of clean-air laws.
However, these vehicles won’t be the best choice for everyone. They’re more expensive, particularly if you intend to install charging facilities at home. Also, they can be environmentally damaging, once the emissions generated by the production of the battery are factored in. If you’re only driving short distances, then going electric might not be worthwhile from a purely environmental perspective.
Alternatively, you might look at a hybrid vehicle. These combine the features of electric and traditional fuel vehicles, and represent the best of both worlds. This approach also confers another advantage: it will mean that you won’t be dependent on the UK’s charging infrastructure, and you’ll be at lower risk of becoming stranded.
Why Fuel Efficiency Matters
The fuel efficiency of your car doesn’t just make a difference to your day-to-day spending. It will also reduce your emissions per mile travelled. Shop for a fuel-efficient car, and, over the years, you’ll vastly reduce your impact on the atmosphere.
While electric vehicles tend to be more efficient than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles on the whole, it’s worth considering that there is a lot of variety within the two categories. Look not only at the manufacturer’s reported efficiencies, but the findings of independent testing agencies, reviewers, and other drivers. The new Fiat 500, for example, emits just over 100g of CO2 per kilometre.
Sustainable Driving Practices and Vehicle Maintenance
Whatever car you’re driving, the chances are that you can improve its efficiency by getting it maintained regularly, and by following a few simple driving tips. Reducing your speed, avoiding harsh braking, and limiting your idle time can all help.
