Save cash with our green car jargon buster

Two surveys this week suggest we the British public don't have a Scooby what a 'green car' is. Handily, SmartPlanet's here to help you buy a cheaper and cleaner car.

In one poll from the British Motor Show, four percent thought a hybrid car was two cars welded together. In the other poll, Driven, nearly three quarters said they had no idea how much CO2 their car emitted. Sure, if you count yourself among those 74 per cent, you can take comfort you're in the majority. But let's face it: with fuel prices off the chart, can you afford not to know?

If you're in the market for a new car, here's a quick explainer on the different types of cash-saving greener cars. If, frankly, you're lumped with your current banger for the time being, check out 10 tips to help you save fuel while driving.

Electric cars

What are they? These cars are basically big Nokias on wheels -- they have an electric battery and a motor that turns the wheels. Electric cars are fully electric, so there's no petrol engine and no exhaust (58 per cent of folks in one survey thought electric cars had exhaust pipes).

What do they mean to me? A big cash saving because electricity prices are going up slower than oil prices. If you drive into London, you'll also be exempt from the £8 congestion charge fee and can park for free in Westminster.

Good if you: Live in London, want to massively cut your motoring costs

Bad if you: Want to travel from city to city, don't have a driveway

Models to check out: Right now, the G-Wiz and Mega City (click the links for our reviews). Coming soon are new models from NICE (pictured) and the Quiet Car Company.

Read on for the lowdown on efficient diesels, hybrids and biofuel cars…

Related Links

• SmartPlanet