The recent increase in climate change and its impact on the environment (and life as we know it) has sparked worldwide concern. As political leaders strive to develop policies, systems, and infrastructures to address the matter, industries around the globe are encouraged to do their part to preserve the planet. Take the automotive industry, for instance. Automakers are increasing their use of sustainable solutions to create vehicles that provide motorists the same conveniences without the negative impacts on the environment.
Beyond adopting sustainable manufacturing processes, reducing their carbon footprint in plants, and using demand management solutions to capitalize on governmental green incentives, top automakers are making significant changes to their products. Some of the industry’s most prolific brands prioritize sustainability by developing eco-friendly vehicle options. Continue reading to learn more.
Lighter Building Materials
Automakers have graduated to using lighter materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, alloys, and high-strength steel to design vehicles that weigh less and ultimately require less fuel to operate. Less fuel means fewer carbon emissions into the environment and savings at the pump for consumers.
Zero Emissions On The Horizon
As one of the most significant factors contributing to carbon dioxide emissions, automakers aspire to eliminate or dramatically reduce tailpipe emissions. That’s where partial zero-emission vehicles (PZEVs) enter the scene. These are fuel-operated cars with sustainable changes to the fuel, engine, and emissions systems.
Automotive manufacturers have successfully produced PZEVs that reduce toxic emissions by as much as 90%, beating out the minimum requirements to pass super ultra-low tailpipe emissions tests. Motorists that purchase PZEVs are not only reducing their carbon footprint but save money on repairs (compared to other fuel-powered and electric vehicles) and receiving extensive warranties on emissions systems and technology.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting contributes to approximately 5% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. While this may seem minuscule compared to other factors, automakers aren’t leaving any stones unturned. A simple yet impactful trend in modern car production is installing LED lights. They’re energy-efficient and exude less heat, helping to improve the environment.
Eco-Friendly, Cruelty-Free Interiors
Many car brands are stepping away from leather interiors to enhance the sustainability of their products. As leather is not sustainable or recyclable, automakers have switched to non-leather options. A trending option in luxury vehicles is synthetic leather made from PVC and other recyclable materials that don’t compromise comfort or style.
Recycled Automotive Parts
Another growing trend in the automotive industry is the use of recycled parts. When manufacturing new parts, automakers are helping to reduce waste by repurposing materials. Companies like BMW and Volvo are dedicated to reusing a large percentage of their plastic, aluminum, and steel or purchasing from recycled sources to design vehicle parts.
Hybrid And Electric Vehicles
Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that operate partially or entirely on electricity. Since they produce little to no emissions, they’re an environmentally-safe option for motorists. Though consumers once viewed hybrid and electric cars as compact, slow, low-performing, and expensive in the past, automakers are changing the game.
Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, Lexus, Kia, Ford, GM, Mercedes Benz, and more have created more hybrid and electric options for motorists. These eco-friendly vehicles don’t just help the environment, but they are at the top of the league in performance, comfort, safety, automotive technology, and style. Such innovative models are increasing in demand, cultivating a more eco-conscious society. Not to mention, many of these brands are pledging to shift to fuelless vehicle manufacturing within the next two decades. Driving has become one of the most practical and convenient ways to get from point A to point B, prompting the sale of more than 15 million vehicles (in the US) every year. However, these modern conveniences are one of the leading causes of carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution worldwide. As a result, automakers have gone to bat to produce more environmentally-friendly products that appeal to consumers while saving the planet.