Greening the car: What features should the consumer be looking for?

A BMW i4 electric car – © AFP ISAAC LAWRENCE

With the environment in danger and global warming on the rise, interest in environmentally friendly options for vehicles are increasing. The International Drivers Association team has been considering ins and outs of green car features that are currently trending.

“An eco-friendly car is more than just a trend, it’s a statement of intent to protect our environment,” Dominic Wyatt, International Drivers Association expert tells Digital Journal.

Electric and Hybrid Powertrains

Electric and hybrid vehicles are at the forefront of the green revolution. Wyatt emphasizes: “The transition to electric power is not just a trend; it’s a necessity.” According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global electric car stock surpassed 10 million in 2021 and grew significantly further in 2022 and 2023, a clear indicator of the rising popularity of eco-friendly alternatives.”

As an example, Wyatt cites the Tesla’s Model 3, with its fully electric powertrain, has become a symbol of sustainable driving. Its success has prompted other manufacturers to accelerate their electric vehicle (EV) production.

Regenerative Braking Systems

Wyatt notes: “Efficiency doesn’t end when you lift your foot off the accelerator.”

Regenerative braking systems, found in many electric and hybrid cars, capture and store energy typically lost during braking. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that regenerative braking can improve fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent.

To highlight this, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that if all vehicles in the U.S. used regenerative braking, it could save more than one billion gallons of fuel annually.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Modern green cars are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, providing safety and efficiency benefits. Wyatt suggests: “Smart technology makes every drive a step towards sustainability.”

Features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control optimize fuel efficiency by promoting smoother driving and reducing sudden accelerations and decelerations.

For instance, a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that vehicles equipped with ADAS have a lower likelihood of being involved in accidents, contributing to a safer and more sustainable road environment. Wyatt indicates that the shift towards electric and hybrid powertrains, the integration of regenerative braking systems, and the adoption of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems mark significant strides toward a more sustainable driving future.