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does make them seem more attractive when American manufactured wind and solar energy can be harnessed to fuel your vehicle instead of foreign oil. The majority of oil currently on the market does come from countries whose political stance towards the US is often uncomfortable, with the top five including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, and China. While world politics are always changing, it's nice to know that your money is in turn fueling the US economy and supporting the American worker.

There are also many State and Federal Incentive programs currently in effect that will make the cost of purchasing an alternative fuel vehicle even more affordable. Some additional perks that vary by state include access to HOV lanes and Ferry Privileges just for using alternative energy. Check on the websites below to see which incentives apply for you.

Federal Incentives: http://www.eere.energy.gov/afd c/progs/fed_all.cgi?afdc/US/0

S tate by State Incentives: http://www.eere.energy.gov/afd c/incentives_laws.html

The Downside of Electric Energy Vehicles:

While it has been difficult in the past to get financing on an alternative energy vehicle because financers simply aren't accustomed to dealing with smaller auto manufacturers, that tide does seem to be slowly changing. More banks are providing Green Auto Loans specifically for the purchase of alternative energy vehicles at competitive market rates.

The other difficulty in purchasing alternative fuel vehicles is finding them. The internet is the best place to search for the companies, but so far no website seems to list more than four or five alternative energy vehicles or give you the ability to compare their statistics. When shopping for electric vehicles, pay attention to maximum speed, maximum distance that can be driven on a single charge, maximum time it takes to recharge the vehicle from empty, battery life, battery warranty, and frame warranty. Remember that all vehicles sold in the US must conform to standardized safety standards, but it couldn't hurt to look on the website of each manufacturer for any additional features they have added to their vehicle!

Electic Electric Vehicles:

The cars listed below are certified to be driven on all roads and highways.

http://www.teslamotor s.com/index.php

Max Speed: 125 MPH

Distance: 220 miles per charge

Max Recharge: about 2.5 Hours

Accelerates 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds.

MSRP: $109,000

http://www.myersmotors .com/buynow.html

Max Speed: 60 MPH

Distance: 60 miles per charge

Max Recharge: 6-8 hours

MSRP: $29,995

http://www.zapworld.com /electric-vehicles/electric-ca rs/xebra-sedan

Max Speed: 40 MPH

Distance: 25 miles per charge / up to 40 with Solar Roof Panel

Max Recharge: Unknown

MSRP: $11,700

http://www.commutercars .com/

Max Speed: 120 MPH

Distance: 150 MPC

Max Recharge: 3 Hours

Accelerates 0 to 60 in 4 seconds.

MSRP: $18,700 $108,000

http://www.aptera.com/

Max Speed: 85 MPH

Distance: 120 miles per charge

Max Recharge: 2-4 Hours

MSRP: $27,000

http://www.zenncars.com /

Model: Triac

Max Speed: 80 MPH

Distance: 100 miles per charge

Max Recharge: 6 Hours

MSRP: $19,995

Learn more about this author, Abigail von Kilb.
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