– by Julian Sale –
Now, more than ever, commuters and drivers have the option to “go green” by buying eco friendly vehicles. This not only means driving fuel-efficient, hybrid, or electric vehicles, but buying vehicles that are manufactured using more recycled materials, and are more recyclable at the end of their lifecycle. Here are three examples of “green” cars, and their drivers – that are already making a difference on our roads today.
1. Toyota Prius Hybrid
Suzie Cutt and Linda Walker bought a Prius for their family. As owners of two peninsula physio and massage businesses, they’re busy, and they drive a lot. This was the obvious choice for a few reasons. First, the Prius is a quality vehicle, and has a rock solid reputation for reliability. Second, it’s really roomy and versatile. Of course, going to Parksville and back with $15 worth of fuel is basically awesome. Families want a great car that does it all, and they want to save at the pump and pollute less – a lot less. The Toyota Prius hit Canadian roads in 1999, and instantly earned the reputation of being the tree-hugger’s car. That reputation holds true today, the difference is almost everyone wants to be greener now. The Prius was a breakthrough, and was the first mass produced car that shut off its engine at a stand still. Seems so simple now. The word hybrid means heterogeneous. The Prius is a gas – electric car. Electric power runs a motor to get the vehicle moving from a stop. Then the gas engine powers the vehicle at sustained and higher speeds. Genius! We are all more aware of the environmentally sound choices we can make, including cutting the carbon dioxide we emit when burning fuel. Prius’ are available from $5,000 up to $40k plus. There actually is a Prius for everyone. Toyota now produce three body sizes of the Prius including a small hatchback called the “C”, the standard version, and a new “V” which is a larger wagon configuration. Further, the Prius has proven itself as the staple Hybrid car, as the number one taxicab in use in the western world.
2. Lexus RX Hybrid
Ingrid Jarisz, on the other hand, needed a posh, upscale’mobile to transport her real estate clients. Ingrid’s shopping list was tight and carefully prepared. Her work requires her to shuttle clients to and from the airport, ferries, and properties all over. So a spacious cabin and very comfortable seating was mandatory; a clean and modern exterior a requirement; and a great sound system, superb safety and astounding reliability were all near the top. Oh, and it had to be a hybrid. Enter the LEXUS RX series hybrid SUVs. Known around the world as the premier hybrid SUV, this vehicle allows its owner to enjoy luxury and forgo the gas guzzling tendencies of the status quo SUVs. With flat folding rear seats, and a cavernous cargo area in the back, it’s hard to fault. The RX seats 5 people very comfortably, offers easy entry and exit, and great visibility from the driver’s seat. I was amazed at how quiet and tight – how peaceful the drive was when I first took the wheel in an RX hybrid. A new Lexus hybrid is what the environmentally conscious high rollers drive. A used Lexus hybrid is what the environmentally conscious, economically responsible commuter demands. These vehicles are available in hybrid trim, used from $15,000 up to $68,000 new. It just goes to show, you can have your cake and eat it too!
3. BMW i3 EV
Third, we have the BMW i3. BMW states its i3 design defines the automobile of tomorrow. That’s bold, but it’s mostly true. This is the pinnacle of all electric, eco friendly commuting. Yes, I said commuting, some people will scream Tesla here, but this is a commuter. The Tesla is more – it’s the super-lux-rocket that Buck Rogers bought for Friday nights. The i3 looks like something Buck Rogers would choose for outings to the golf course of the future. But hold on, this car actually has something for everyone. First – it’s available in EV (100% electric) or with a range extending gas generator that allows you to drive a total 250km give or take, starting with a full charge. You have to look at this car. If you’re a gear head like I am, this car will fascinate and amaze you – if you’re not, this car will impress you and make you smile. Until you drive it, where you’ll both sit quietly – very, very quietly, head cocked, one eyebrow raised – waiting for some kind of noise. Any type. Anything. You’re on the highway, still nothing. This car REDEFINES quiet and peaceful driving. It can’t be compared to a Nissan LEAF, the two share nothing other than fast moving electrons and big magnets. Cool fact: The all Carbon-Fibre body is referred to as the Life Module, and it’s the techiest body I have ever seen on a mass produced car or motorcycle, or airplane for that matter. It features a gorgeous open-pore eucalyptus wood dash cover. It’s stunning, and so is the rest of the car.
Special thanks to Auto West BMW, the worlds greenest BMW dealer. See their sustainable building on YouTube.
