Ask Not Only What a Fuel Efficient Vehicle Can Do For the Environment, But Ask What It Can Do For Your Wallet Are you thinking of buying a car with your tax refund? February is a popular time of year to buy a vehicle with the majority of NH dealerships promoting specials in honor of Presidents’ Day. Purchasing a car is an important investment. With gasoline prices well above $3 a gallon, buying a fuel efficient vehicle makes sense. Fuel efficient cars use less gas, reduce the amount of emissions produced by your vehicle, and release fewer pollutants into the air. Have you ever thought of purchasing an electric or hybrid-electric car? Many hybrid-electric vehicles already travel NH roads. Plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles are starting to be purchased and leased in our state. Hybrid-electric vehicles run on gasoline and electricity (from a large battery), allowing for increased fuel economy - over 50 mpg in some cases. Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles get over 50 mpg; an electric motor powers the vehicle for the first 15 miles of travel before engaging the gasoline motor. The pure electric vehicle uses no gas at all. These vehicles can be charged via household electricity. The federal government currently offers incentives in the form of tax credits for the purchase of plug-in hybrid-electric and pure electric vehicles. A tax credit of $2,500 is allowed on a Toyota Prius Plug-in; $7,500 for electric vehicles like the new Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt. Vehicle owners can also receive a tax credit of up to 30 percent off the cost of an electric charging device for their home. Fuel efficient vehicles come in all makes and models. There are over 130 models from which to choose, from small cars to SUVs - each with combined miles per gallon (mpg) of 30 or better. These vehicles are listed on DES’ Granite State Clean Cars program website, along with a list of participating dealers (visit: http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/air/tsb/tps/gsccp/index.htm). If you need a bigger rig, such as a truck, van or larger SUV the US Department of Energy’s fueleconomy.gov website lists “2013 Most and Least Efficient Vehicles.” This can steer you to a smart, fuel efficient choice in all types of vehicles. This website also has a feature that allows you to compare two or more vehicles. No matter what you choose for your ride, it’s bound to be more fuel efficient than the vehicle your parents purchased at your age. Since the 1970’s, the EPA has worked with other organizations to establish fuel economy standards which has resulted in cleaner, more fuel efficient vehicles. Purchasing these vehicles can save you money, reduce our country’s dependence on petroleum, and reduce air pollution from transportation. To find more ways to reduce your gas consumption, visit DOE’s Techniques for Drivers to Conserve Fuel webpage: www.afdc.energy.gov/conserve/behavior_techniques.html. For more information on petroleum reduction in New Hampshire, visit DES’s Granite State Clean Cities Coalition web page: http://www.granitestatecleancities.nh.gov/. Source: GREENWorks, the February publication of the NH Department of Environmental Services, Concord, NH