Whether you’re on the way to the grocery five miles away from your house or taking a road trip across the country, gas mileage is always something to take into consideration. As technology continues to become more advanced, we continually see gas mileage improving in vehicles. But improved gas mileage isn’t the only way auto manufacturers are making their automobiles more friendly to Mother Nature.

As you’re making your way from one destination to the next on the CA Carmageddon, it’s important to be careful and think of the ways you can be a friend to Mother Nature, and one of the best ways to do this is to monitor your speed and avoid getting a traffic ticket. If you do happen to get one, though, you can always take an online traffic school course. This not only helps you learn how to be a safer driver, but it can help keep your insurance rates low.

How Is Technology Improving the Automobile Industry?

To compete with foreign car markets, the United States is diligently designing and producing more eco-friendly automotive technology, and all of this is taking place despite its well-known intent to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Environmental sustainability is what the U.S. automakers are striving for, and according to experts, the withdraw may have just put them in a better position to compete against German manufactures. After the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, both General Motors and Ford vowed to remain committed to designing and manufacturing environmentally-friendly vehicles. All the while, Lyft has boasted of plans to make all its self-driving cars powered by 100 percent renewable energy.

Technological advancements are enabling manufacturers and dealers to produce vehicles with enhanced eco-friendly options. Here’s a look at some of the advancements taking place and what many of today’s automakers are striving for.

Electric

Committed to producing fewer carbon emissions, automakers look to electric motors as a step in the right direction. In addition, lacking the mechanical complexity of combustion engines and transmissions, the auto industry foresees that electric cars will be a natural fit regarding transitioning to a more autonomous driving technology.

Self-driving experiments are already well on their way and both GM and Nissan have moved in this direction to launch automobiles that feature electric-powered self-driving technology.

Car Battery Innovations

To continue advancements in electric vehicles, there must be an improvement with car battery designs. For the most part, electric vehicles run on lithium-ion batteries, much like a smartphone. Recent focus has been on lowering cost and maximizing the lifespan of car batteries. This is due to performance and shelf life of lithium-based batteries being greatly affected by temperature and overcharging.

Tesla is taking the lead by offering its Model S, which has a range between 210 and 315 miles per charge. Tesla has brought the cost below $190 per kilowatt-hour compared to the average cost of $227 per kilowatt-hour. It has been predicted that when prices are at $100 per kilowatt-hour, electric vehicles will be priced comparably to internal combustion engine vehicles without any incentives.

Eco-Efficient Tires

To effectively lower the amount of energy needed to keep automobiles moving, today’s market is promoting tires with a low rolling resistance, which supports greater eco-efficiency. Reportedly, the low rolling resistance tires have been found to provide a 5.7 percent improvement in fuel economy for an average gain of 1.9 mpg. In addition, the latest tires are available with smart-sensing technology, which can detect when pressure is low. A small drop in tire pressure can make a tremendous difference in getting the best gas mileage while driving.

Michelin has stepped up and is leading the way by manufacturing eco-efficient tires that are both biodegradable and reusable. Michelin’s Vision concept tire has a solid center with an airless outer tread that can be reprinted as desired. Michelin’s innovative fashion of only using necessary biodegradable materials is helping protect the environment by reducing the mass usage of rubber and is helping to avoid waste.