Make a Statement, Help the Environment,
& Save on Auto Expenses
Hollywood celebrities often clue the rest of us into what’s popular. So it’s no surprise that some Hollywood A-listers tooling around Tinseltown in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) have done a lot for the vehicles’ image. Even Esurance has gotten in on the act with a claims vehicle fleet that’s 100% hybrid.
While HEV manufacturers should probably thank a few Hollywood celebrities for “giving them a break,” these vehicles would probably have been “discovered” on their own.
By driving an HEV, you’ll help protect the environment, save money at the gas pump, and, in some states, be eligible for a tax deduction.
Help the Environment
Chemicals from vehicle exhaust systems harm the environment and cause or exacerbate respiratory problems in many people. HEVs, with their fuel efficiency and increased fuel economy, emit less pollution. Every little bit counts, especially as smog and global warming problems continue to worsen. HEVs help do their part to protect the environment and our precious supply of fossil fuels.
If you’re not currently in the market to buy a hybrid vehicle, you can still do your part to help conserve the environment by driving less or carpooling whenever possible. Not only will driving less help you save money on gas, but it can also help you save on your auto insurance— driving fewer miles can decrease your risk for being involved in an accident and having to file an auto insurance claim!
Save at the Pump
As the cost for gas continues to rise, HEVs look even more attractive. Can you imagine getting over 60 miles per gallon out of your vehicle? If you owned a hybrid vehicle, that dream could be a reality.
HEVs conserve gas use by increasing the efficiency of how it’s burned. Hybrid vehicles turn energy into electricity while the vehicle is coasting and braking. Electricity is then stored in a battery until it’s needed— talk about efficiency at its best! In some HEVs, the engine automatically shuts off when it’s stopped and restarts when the accelerator is pushed.
Earn a Tax Deduction
Hybrid vehicle owners may be eligible for a federal or state tax deduction. Federally, HEV drivers could be eligible for a one-time $2000 deduction in the first year of purchase. For more information about the benefits of HEVs and tax deductions available, visit the Department of Energy’s HEV Program Web site at http://www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/about.html.
So take a tip from Hollywood (and Esurance): save money and the environment by investing in an HEV. You can also visit Esurance Offers Tips on Befriending the Environment to find more tips on preserving our natural resources.
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