Drive Change
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Can I rent anything other than a gas-powered car?
If you're renting a car, look for hybrid options that switch to battery power for stop-and-go city driving. They are sometimes more expensive to rent, but you'll save gas.
- EV Rental Cars (www.evrental.com or 877-EV-RENTAL), available at nine American airports, leases electric, natural gas, and hybrid electric vehicles.
- In Canada, you can rent a Prius from the National Discount Car and Truck Rental chain (www.discountcar.com ) and from Viaroute,( www.viaroute.com or 514-871-1166 for downtown Montreal) in Quebec.
- If you think the hybrid will cost too much for your budget, investigate other fuel efficient options. Check out the Green Vehicle Guide(http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/) for suggested models. The Environmental Protection Agency scores the cars according to fuel efficiency and production of greenhouse gases. Hybrids get high scores, but some non-hybrids make it to the list as well: Mazda 3 gets high marks in the small car category and Honda Accord takes the prize for family sedans
- U.S. residents may want to investigate joining the Better World Auto Club (www.betterworld.com) Members can take advantage of eco-travel services, discounts on hybrid and biodiesel rentals and car and bicycle roadside assistance. The club also donates 1% of their annual revenue to environmental causes.
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