A green car is one that is more efficient and less polluting than traditional pure fossil-fuel-powered cars. Green cars can include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), hybrids (HEVs), hydrogen fuel-cell cars (FCEV), bio-diesel cars, solar-powered cars, and some highly efficient/low emissions gasoline cars rated PZEV (partial zero emissions vehicles).
The concept of a green car crystallized in the early 1990s with the launch of publications like Green Car Journal and then accelerated with the limited launch of the General Motors EV1 (1996) and the Japanese launch of the Toyota Prius hybrid (1997).
Green cars represent an ever-evolving vehicle class as technology improves or changes. Consumer desire for climate-friendly transportation and energy independence from foreign oil drives increasing demand for green cars in the U.S.
