If you are thinking of buying a car (new or used) the Green Vehicle Guide (www.epa.gov/autoemissions) provides information on air pollution scores for all makes of cars big and small. The guide was developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States to assist consumers to choose the cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets their needs. This guide rates environmental performance when the vehicle is in use based on information provided by vehicle manufacturers. It does not account for other environmental factors, such as recyclability of the vehicle, or for any other factors that people may consider when choosing a vehicle, such as safety, cost, or driving performance. Scores range from 0 to 10 where 10 is best ("best" means lowest emissions or lowest pollution levels). The guide provides information on most makes cars that are available in South Africa, except for French cars.
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EBIKE
The ebike is an electric bike that can be propelled at 32kph on flat ground with a range of up to 40km. It uses an efficient brushless hub motor that requires no maintenance. The actual bicycle is a hardy California bike (http://www.benbikes.org.za/) with carrier and bike stand.
What makes it environmentally friendly? This is the most energy efficient transport mechanism in the world and extremely convenient and fun. Even taking into account using Eskom electricity, an electric bike only pollutes 3% of the CO2 of a car. If powered by Renewable Energy, then becomes energy independent and zero pollution (it is possible to charge the battery using solar power).
EBIKE KIT
The ebike is an electric bike that can be propelled at 32kph on flat ground with a range of up to 40km. It uses an efficient brushless motor that requires no maintenance.
The ebike kit can be easily added to most mountain and racing bikes and includes batteries and charger.
The eZee range of electric bicycles is now available in SA. An eZee electric bicycle looks exactly like a conventional bicycle, but is fitted with a state of the art electric motor, battery and controller system. It encourages cycling through providing all the gain of conventional cycling, but without the pain. The eZee bike promotes general well-being and encourages people to use cycling as a means of commuting, but without having to pedal as hard as with an ordinary bicycle. This means you can travel to work in the morning using battery power and arrive fresh and invigorated, but pedal in the afternoon if you wish (or not!).
eZee electric bicycles require about 250Wh to travel roughly 30km’s. This translates to about 10 cents worth of electricity at current Eskom prices – so a trip of 100 km’s would cost less than 40 cents. Additional costs to consider are regular bicycle maintenance (similar to a conventional bicycle) and the battery life reduction. The battery has a lifetime of about 500 charges, meaning about 2 years worth of full charges and discharges for a person using the bike every working day for a 50km trip. eZee electric bikes are treated just like ordinary bicycles for legislative purposes, so there's absolutely no registration or legislation to worry about.
The Prius is the result of 30 years of research and development towards Toyota’s ultimate goal – the totally emission-free vehicle. Paving the way to that objective, the Prius is the most eco-friendly, mass-produced car on the planet with a string of accolades and 'firsts' to its name.
Essentially, the Prius is a car with an efficient petrol engine that also has an electric motor. This hybrid synergy drive dramatically cuts fuel consumption and pollution, yet also provides brisk performance.
Where to buy:
The Prius is available from 12 Toyota dealerships in South Africa:
Gauteng
McCarthy Toyota Brooklyn
McCarthy Toyota Midrand
East Rand Toyota
Monument Toyota West Rand
Rand Stadium Toyota
Imperial Motors Strijdompark
Killarney Toyota Houghton
Cape Town
Barloworld Tygervalley
Market Toyota Claremont
Helderberg Toyota
Durban
McCarthy Toyota Greyville – Kingsmead
Gateway Toyota
For more information contact Toyota South Africa Head Office:
Tel: (011) 809 9111
Web: www.toyota.co.za
Cars and Bicycles 
