Technologies & Fuel Types
Consumers have more choices now than ever before when it comes to clean and efficient vehicles. Although gasoline still dominates, new hybrid technologies, alternative fuel vehicles and advanced emission control systems allow the cars we drive today to be significantly cleaner. Even among the cleanest technologies, however, environmental impact, fuel efficiency, cost, benefits and availability can really vary. So explore your options here, learn what technologies are available now and what's on the horizon, and remember to buy cars with the highest scores.
Hybrid Electric
Hybrid electric vehicles commercially available today combine an internal combustion engine with a battery and electric motor. Learn More > View Vehicles >
Battery Electric
Battery electric vehicles run entirely on electricity stored in batteries and have an electric motor rather than a gasoline engine. Visit DriveClean's new Plug-in Vehicle Resource Center for extensive information about battery electric vehicles. Learn More > View Vehicles >
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Driving a CNG vehicle reduces smog-forming and greenhouse gas emissions as well as our dependence on foreign oil. Learn More > View Vehicles >
Ethanol (E85)
Ethanol is mostly used in flexible fuel vehicles, which are capable of operating on gasoline, E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), or a mixture of both. Learn More > View Vehicles >
Gasoline
While all California cars have advanced emission control systems, some gasoline vehicles are designed to produce extremely low levels of emissions. Learn More > View Vehicles >
Diesel
Recent improvements in diesel engine technology allow modern automotive diesels to be quiet, powerful, and clean enough to meet California's emissions standards. Learn More > View Vehicles >
Plug-in Hybrid
Plug-in hybrids are similar to traditional hybrids but are also equipped with a larger, more advanced battery that allows the vehicle to be plugged in and recharged in addition to refueling with gasoline. Visit DriveClean's new Plug-in Vehicle Resource Center for extensive information about plug-in hybrid vehicles. Learn More > View Vehicles >
Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are zero emission and run on compressed hydrogen fed into a fuel cell “stack” that produces electricity to power the vehicle. Learn More > View Vehicles >
Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
Some hydrogen vehicles have an internal combustion engine that is specially designed to run on hydrogen fuel. While hydrogen infrastructure is still ramping up, current hydrogen ICE vehicles are designed to run on either gasoline or liquid hydrogen. Learn More > View Vehicles >
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a diesel replacement fuel made from new and used vegetable oils or animal fats that have been chemically reacted with an alcohol. Learn More > View Vehicles >