The automotive industry is constantly changing, with new features added to cars each year. One such innovation is “green vehicles,” which have improved fuel efficiency and are eco-conscious. While many car makers now offer hybrid, electric or alternative fuel vehicles, Honda has been a leader in these technologies for decades. Here is a closer look at green vehicles and why you should choose one of Honda’s models.

What is a Green Vehicle?

While most vehicles on the road today use gasoline or diesel, a growing number of cars rely on other forms of fuel. Hybrids are perhaps the most ubiquitous green vehicle. They date back to the early 1900s, when automotive engineer Ferdinand Porsche created the first car-mounted electric generator powered by gasoline. It took nearly a century for hybrid technology to become mainstream, with Toyota’s introduction of the Prius in 1997. Two years later, Honda began selling its hybrid – the Insight – in the United States. Department of Energy rankings of 2001 models showed they were by far the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market – the Insight got 61/68 mpg city/highway, while the Prius was estimated at 52/45 mpg city/highway. Automakers began introducing other alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) in the early 2000s, such as:

• Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles – Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are often part of commercial fleets, as they are ideal for high-mileage drivers.
• Electric vehicles (EVs) – These vehicles run solely on electricity and can be charged at home or public charging stations.
• Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) – Pressurized hydrogen powers a fuel cell, which generates electricity to move the vehicle.
• Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) – These vehicles can use gasoline or E85 – a mixture that is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) – Plug-in hybrids are powered by both gasoline and electricity.

Benefits of Alternative Fuel Vehicles

AFVs, particularly hybrid and electric models, are known for their fuel efficiency. Simply put, they use less fuel – or none at all – to travel the same distance as vehicles that are solely gasoline- or diesel-powered. This reduces air pollution and saves drivers money at the gas pump. Other benefits of AFVs include:

• HOV exemptions – Many metro areas have high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes reserved for cars with two or more occupants. Depending on the state, drivers of hybrid and electric vehicles may be allowed to drive in these lanes without a passenger.
• Reliability – Some of the most reliable automakers, including Honda, are heavily invested in alternative fuel technology. As such, you can expect AFVs to be just as reliable as – if not more than – their traditional counterparts. For example, Kelley Blue Book named the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid the second-most reliable AFV of 2018.
• Tax credits – Hybrid, electric and PHEV models are often eligible for federal and state tax credits. If you bought a new electric car after 2009, you could get a tax credit up to $7,500. However, this program phases out the credit once a manufacturer has sold 200,000 electric vehicles. States also offer tax credits – Washington, for example, offered a sales tax exemption for up to $32,000 of a vehicle’s selling price until May 2018.

Honda’s Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Honda has a long history of offering vehicles with alternative fuel technology, from the Insight hatchback of the late 20^th century to the five sedan models sold today. The Accord Hybrid is based on the best-selling Accord but gets an impressive 47/47 mpg city/highway. U.S. News and World Report gave the 2018 model an overall score of 8.4. After a five-year hiatus, the Insight is back for 2019 with a new look and plenty of tech features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The Insight earns 55 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway, beating most other cars on the road. Honda’s Clarity series takes the AFV concept beyond hybrid technology with three models – electric, fuel cell and plug-in hybrid. While the electric and fuel cell versions are currently limited to California and Oregon, the plug-in is sold nationwide and gets a range of 47/340 mpg electric/combined.

Find the Alternative Fuel Vehicle of Your Dreams at Honda of Seattle

As AFVs become more available and affordable, more Americans say they are considering switching to alternative fuel technology in their next car. At Honda of Seattle, we are committed to offering AFVs that are fuel-efficient, reliable and fun to drive. With our wide selection of hybrids – from the Accord to the Insight to the Clarity Plug-In – we can help you find your dream vehicle. Call 206-382-8800 or contact us online to schedule a test drive today.