2.1. Advantages

- The advantages of using a green car are variable. It can range from obtaining cheap auto insurance and cheap car insurance quotes to improving the health of the planet. Understanding the advantages can make the process of choosing a car simpler.

* Low cost insurance is one of the major benefits of a green car. Eco-friendly vehicles are not prone to theft and have a much lower incidence of car accidents when compared to vehicles that are not environmentally friendly. Despite the lower risks, it is still important to seek insurance for green cars because accidents caused by other drivers might still occur.

* Lower gas costs are another benefit of green vehicles. The green cars have a much higher number of miles driven per gallon of gas used, resulting in more cost savings when driving.

* Creation of jobs is other advantage of green vehicles, particularly as it relates to the economy. Green technology requires numerous jobs to create the newest advances in eco-friendly vehicles. As more jobs are created, the economy of the country is improved.

* Better air quality is also a factor involved in the green vehicle. By putting out lower levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and other harmful gasses into the environment, the air quality improves as pollution decreases.

• Energy efficiency: Cars with similar production energy costs can obtain, during the life of the car (operational phase), large reductions in energy costs through several measures:

*The most significant is using alternative propulsion: An efficient engine that reduces the vehicle's consumption of petroleum (i.e. petroleum electric hybrid vehicle), or, preferably, that uses renewable energy sources throughout its working life.

*Using biofuels instead of petroleum fuels.

*Proper maintenance of a vehicle such as engine tune-ups, oil changes, and maintaining proper tire pressure can also help.

*Removing unnecessary items from a vehicle reduces weight and improves fuel economy as well.

- Tax free policy: Many governments offer a hybrid tax credit or hybrid tax rebate as a financial incentive for consumers to purchase a hybrid vehicle. That is shown by the examples proposed below.

Residents of Ontario and Quebec, Canada, can claim a rebate on the Provincial Retail Sales Tax of up to CAD 2,000 on the purchase or lease of a hybrid vehicle, and Federal Transport Canada can claim a rebate of CAD 1,500. The United States Government incentives for fuel efficient vehicles in the United States of new hybrid vehicles, purchased or placed into service after December 31, 2005. Vehicles purchased after December 31, 2010 are not eligible for this credit. The law limited the tax credits to the first 60,000 eligible vehicles per carmaker, meaning that credits for popular models will be phase out before the tax break's scheduled expiration date. Note these are credits — dollar for dollar tax savings — not merely deductions. The tax credit is to be phased out two calendar quarters after the manufacturer reaches 60,000 new cars sold in the following manner: it will be reduced to 50% if delivered in either the third or fourth quarter after the threshold is reached, to 25% in the fifth and sixth quarters, and 0% thereafter.

The U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a federal income tax credit up to $3,400 for the purchase of new hybrid vehicles, purchased or placed into service after December 31, 2005. Vehicles purchased after December 31, 2010 are not eligible for this credit. The law limited the tax credits to the first 60,000 eligible vehicles per carmaker, meaning that credits for popular models will be phase out before the tax break's scheduled expiration date. The tax credit is to be phased out two calendar quarters after the manufacturer reaches 60,000 new cars sold in the following manner: it will be reduced to 50% if delivered in either the third or fourth quarter after the threshold is reached, to 25% in the fifth and sixth quarters, and 0% thereafter. The Internal Revenue Service is responsible for certifying that certain passenger autos and light trucks qualify for the credit and the amount of the credit.

Some state departments in the U.S. have introduced special provisions for hybrid vehicles driving in carpool lanes.