Nowadays, we’re all much more aware of the environmental impact our lifestyle choices can have - and for most of us, it’s our car that’s the biggest contributor to our carbon footprint. With this in mind, more and more motorists are choosing hybrid or electric cars. The majority of these new zero- and low-emission vehicles are eligible for a plug-in grant which makes them more affordable to buy. Thinking of buying an electric or hybrid car yourself in 2018,

There’s now more choice than ever, so here’s our guide to the very best models. Honest John has praised the E-Up! “surprisingly quick and enjoyable to drive.” There are three driving modes to choose from - normal, eco and eco plus - so you can select the level of energy being used, and you’ll find it’s especially well-equipped inside. Awarded 5 stars and praised as “one of the most refined electric cars on sale” by What Car,

Golf boosts all the benefits of your standard Golf but with added eco-credentials - its spacious, high-quality interior and generous boot make it both an appealing and practical choice. Going green needn’t mean compromising on luxury… “You’ll struggle to find a premium family car that does so much, so well, as the Audi A3 Sportback,” says What Car,

1.4 litre petrol engine when you’re after more performance. Available as both a diesel/electric and a petrol/electric hybrid, this small executive saloon has become a popular company car thanks to those low, tax-abating C02 figures. Auto Express says that the 350e version “offers a compelling mix of power and fuel efficiency” - which remains true across the entire range. Highlighted as being “quiet, comfortable and supremely relaxing to drive” by Auto Express, the Audi q7 E-tron is one of the leading plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market.

Audi has managed to up the Q7’s eco credentials without any noticeable loss of performance - although you do lose the third row of seats you’ll find in the standard petrol and diesel models. Offering supercar performance combined with incredible efficiency, this commanding plug-in hybrid sports car can sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds. Auto Express says “it’s more stunning and more futuristic than anything else close to its price,” and you can run on electric power only for up to 22 miles at a time. Still not sure which car’s right for you, Our team are happy to answer any questions you have about these or any other models - either call for a chat or drop into a dealership near you.

The transport sector consumes more than half of global oil production, and releases nearly a quarter of all anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. Without the tax, the already stressed highway system would crumble and the economy would suffer further. Welcome to Zipcar, the world's largest car sharing and car club service.

It is an alternative to traditional car rental and car ownership. Share Zipcars in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco. The expert group made 6 recommendations for a new tax system. Efficiency can be raised several ways--better control over the air-fuel mixture entering the combustion chamber, over the way gasoline is ignited, and over the mechanical systems that harness the energy.

But the sweeping deal announced Tuesday on auto emission and mileage standards does indeed appear to be good for just about everybody -- assuming the vehicles it spawns are appealing to consumers. In brief, the plan would eliminate state-level regulation of motor vehicles and mandate that, by 2016, exhaust emissions be cut by about a third and mileage increased to 39 m.p.g. 30 m.p.g. for light trucks. 1,300 to the cost of vehicles, but the government says that will be offset by savings in gasoline.

Indicating the industry's support, no fewer than 10 auto manufacturers plus the UAW were represented at the White House as President Barack Obama announced the deal. The advantages for the industry are twofold: uniformity and certainty. There will be no regulations peculiar to a state or region, and the industry now has a fixed set of relatively long-term goals with enough lead time to meet them.

The upside for the nation is cleaner air, which could lead to lower health care costs, and less dependence on oil. And there is also an intangible value in having this annual political donnybrook settled in a comprehensive way. Detroit automakers have yet to build a high-mileage vehicle that Americans embrace in huge numbers.