Thank You for Choosing Green Cars: Government Incentives for Eco-Friendly Car Buyers

Hybrid cars are known for being much more fuel efficient than their gas-powered counterparts. For example, the traditional model of the Honda Civic may get around thirty miles to one gallon of gas, whereas the hybrid model of the Honda Civic will probably get at least fifty percent more than that. This factor alone has made the Honda Civic hybrid, and the other hybrid models currently on the market, greatly desired by consumers.

Besides the financial benefits of purchasing a hybrid car, many people who have done so are usually thinking of the environmental impact as well, or the lack thereof. Hybrid cars are known for being somewhat better on the general well-being of the surrounding environment. Hybrid cars use significantly less gasoline than regular cars, although they do require a certain amount. Using less gasoline cuts down on harmful emissions and helps preserve the resources of the earth that are being depleted at alarming rates by the growing consumer demands for fuel.

As such, a number of countries around the world have begun to offer incentives to people who purchase a hybrid car. At the beginning of 2006, the United States offered an Income Tax credit of up to $3,400 for the purchase of a hybrid car. Eventually, this tax credit will be reduced to 50% of the original credit amount and, after a certain amount of time the tax credit will end. Even so, this credit has prompted a number of Americans to purchase a new car that uses hybrid technology before the credit expires.

Those who purchased a hybrid car before the tax credit was instated will also be eligible for a deduction on their income tax forms. The government and its various agencies have been working for decades to invent ways of cleaning up the air and environment that has been cause by harmful emissions, such as exhaust from cars. This incentive, they hope, will pique consumer interest in fuel-efficient programs and products.

The invention of hybrid technologies and the modernization of their production have made this goal much more reachable. As such, the government has committed to support anyone who chooses to participate in their efforts by making an allowance for financial incentives. On the state level, additional tax incentives may be available, such as not having to pay any tolls on highways. Some states, such as California, are offering free parking in certain cities for all hybrid cars.

Hybrid vehicles are also beneficial for the consumer because the lighter, smaller engine is much more efficient than engines in a regular car. Also, regenerate braking, the cycle where the act of braking in the car actually recharges the battery that powers the electric motor, helps contribute to its efficiency. This also significantly reduces the wear and tear on the braking system, as the braking is controlled partly by the electric motor rather than mechanical brakes. Air pollution emissions of carbon dioxide and reactive hydrocarbons are also reduced, which will ultimately lead to an improved environment. In fact, emissions in hybrid cards were found to be roughly eight percent less than those in a conventionally powered car.

Sources:

http://www.hybrid-car.org/

http://www.hybridcarblog.com/