Vehicles that produce fewer harmful environmental impacts than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles are known as eco-friendly vehicles. They are also referred to as green, environmentally friendly, or clean vehicles. Green vehicles are motor vehicles that do not run on conventional fuels such as petrol or diesel. Alternative fuels and advanced technologies power green vehicles.

These vehicles include hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, compressed-air vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, neat ethanol vehicles, flexible fuel vehicles, natural gas vehicles, clean diesel vehicles, biodiesel vehicles, and ethanol fuel vehicles. This blog will reveal more about eco-friendly vehicles, their benefits, types, and the best vehicle options.

What are Eco-Friendly Vehicles

Eco-friendly vehicles, or green vehicles, are environmentally friendly vehicles that produce minimal to zero emissions and are safe. These vehicles do not use traditional fuel and run on electricity or safer options. Using eco-friendly vehicles is a sustainable step towards safeguarding the future of people living in this world.

The common types of green vehicles include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which run on electricity alone, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combining an electric motor with a gasoline engine, and compressed natural gas (CNG) or biodiesel vehicles that run on these alternative fuels. Electric vehicles, which run purely on electricity, offer zero tailpipe emissions, while hybrid vehicles offer a balance of convenience and efficiency of fuel.

Benefits of Green Vehicles

Let us look at the benefits that eco-friendly or green vehicles provide:
 
Lower Cost of Operation

In comparison to petrol, the cost of electricity is fairly low. Electric vehicles also offer lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts.

Lesser Environmental Impact

Green vehicles produce fewer to zero harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases in comparison to conventional ICE vehicles. They also help to reduce air and noise pollution significantly.

Advanced Technology

The majority of eco-friendly vehicles offer advanced automotive technology featuring cutting-edge design, safety features, in-car entertainment, and futuristic navigation.

Quieter Operations

The green vehicles are quieter and provide little to no noise pollution compared to ICE vehicles. These vehicles help reduce noise and air pollution significantly in urban areas.

Government Schemes

The government often offers financial incentives like subsidies or tax credits to people buying eco-friendly vehicles. This results in making these vehicles more accessible to the masses.

Also Read, Electric Vehicles vs Hybrid Cars: Which One Drives the Future?

Best Green Vehicle Options

Here is a list of the best options for buying eco-friendly vehicles in India. These vehicles align with the national clean-mobility goals perfectly.

Tata Tiago EV

Tata Tiago EV is an entry-level hatchback from Tata with a budget-friendly price. It comes with two battery options, 19.2 kWh and 24 kWh, with a claimed range of 250-315 km for the larger battery. If you want the EV for city use mainly, the Tata Tiago EV is a great option.

Tata Harrier EV

Tata Harrier EV is a mid-sized SUV from Tata with premium features and a bigger size. It comes with two battery options, 65 kWh and 75 kWh, with a claimed range of 627 km for the larger battery. If you have a big family, the Tata Harrier EV is a great option.

Mahindra BE 6

It is a compact crossover from Mahindra and a co-developed platform. It comes with two battery options, 59 kWh and 79 kWh, with a claimed range of 556-683 km for the larger battery. If you want a strong SUV option, the Mahindra BE 6 is a great option.

Mahindra XEV 9e

It is a premium coupe-SUV from Mahindra with upscale quality. It comes with two battery options, 59 kWh and 79 kWh, with a claimed range of 542 km/656 km for the respective batteries. If you want a long-range car, the Mahindra XEV 9e is a great option.

Citroën eC3

It is a budget-oriented EV from Citroën. Best suited for city commuting and smaller budgets.

Conclusion

Opting for eco-friendly vehicles is indeed a smart step towards cleaner mobility and a sustainable future. Green vehicles like electric cars, hybrid cars, and CNG vehicles help in reducing emissions, cut fuel costs, and offer advanced technology. These cars also offer quieter and smoother performance as compared to traditional ICE vehicles. With options like the Tata Tiago EV, Tata Harrier EV, Mahindra BE 6, Mahindra XEV 9e, and Citroën eC3, buyers in India now enjoy practical, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation. As there is a switch to eco-friendly, green, and environmentally cleaner vehicles, India is on the path to making this earth a better planet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between eco-friendly vehicles and regular vehicles?
 Eco-friendly vehicles use alternative energy sources like electricity, CNG, or biodiesel and produce little to zero emissions. Regular vehicles run on petrol or diesel and release more pollutants, contributing to air pollution and climate change.

2. Are electric vehicles cheaper to maintain?
 Yes, electric vehicles are generally cheaper to maintain because they have fewer moving parts and do not require oil changes. Their running cost per kilometre is also lower compared to petrol or diesel vehicles.

3. Which is the best eco-friendly car to buy in India?
 Some popular eco-friendly cars in India include the Tata Tiago EV, Tata Harrier EV, Mahindra BE 6, Mahindra XEV 9e, and Citroën eC3. The best option depends on your budget, driving range needs, and daily usage.

4. Do eco-friendly vehicles get government subsidies in India?
Yes, the Indian government offers incentives and subsidies under schemes like FAME-II to promote the adoption of electric and green vehicles. These benefits help reduce the overall cost of buying eco-friendly cars.