Plug-In Hybrid

Plug-In Hybrids are currently the best option for those who want to use electricity when possible, but still have the range associated with a conventional gas car. A plug-in hybrid can run off batteries for a limited range, then switches to a gas-electric hybrid system.

The goal is to use electricity for daily commuting, but still have gas for back up range and traveling.

Plug-In Hybrids are sometimes called PHEVs, Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles.

Right now the only practical way to get a Plug-In Hybrid is to convert an existing hybrid by adding additional batteries. The risk of doing this is whether or not the conversion will void the warranty of a hybrid. Since hybrids are fairly new technology, it is a risk to make a conversion than get stuck with unrelated repair bills.

Auto Clubs

The Better World Club is a splendid alternative to AAA. They match AAA's prices and services, plus they have a clear pro-environmental stance. From their web-site: "We believe that the government should establish a goal of getting us off foreign oil in 10 years." They even offer members travel services with carbon offsets.

Rentals

Rental car companies are joining in the push for sustainability. Several have announced plans to add hybrids and flex fuel vehicles to their fleets. Hertz is leading the group, with a Green Collection now available on their web-site when renting a car.

It's pretty easy to rent a sustainable car from Hertz, just move your mouse a few pixels when you choose your car!

Walking

Pretty simple really. Just wear some comfortable shoes and hoof it. Consider renting a small apartment close to where you work, might turn out to be cheaper than the cost of maintaining a car. The bonus is less stress from a daily commute.

Try your local transit to increase your range a little bit.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a great option if you want to go 100% Fossil Free when driving. Availability varies from region to region. Where I live in Seattle, Biodiesel is available at many locations, with many new ones popping up just in the last year.

The Volkswagen Rabbit (previously named Golf) is an excellent choice for going Biodiesel. To use biodiesel, you need to choose the TDI (diesel) option for the engine. The nice thing about this car is that it gets excellent mileage (42-47 mpg). That's actually comparable to what you'll get with a Prius.

Still waiting for a hybrid with a diesel engine so I can have the best of both worlds. A diesel engine that can run off of electricity for short trips. There are some cars like that in the works, but for now a Volkswagen Rabbit is a perfectly reasonable option to get away from gasoline entirely and still have good range.

Ecodriving

The way you drive has a big impact on how much energy you use. Ecodriving or "Hypermilling" is the art of driving in a way to reduce the amount of energy you use. There are many subtle things you can do like coasting to a stop and drafting behind other cars that will reduce energy use.

If you think about it, braking is basically a way of throwing away energy that you have used, so try to minimize it. Of course, hardcore hypermilling ranges from annoying to downright dangerous. Be curteous on the roads and be safe.

Most people use hypermilling to save on gas, but there is no reason not to use it with an alternative fueled vehicle.

Tesla Roadster

The Tesla Roadster is one of the latest electric cars to hit the market. Here are some of the specs from the web-site:

• 0 to 60 in 4 seconds
• over 200 miles per charge
• about 1 cent per mile