Image Source: Flickr/Robert Scoble

Even though the eco-friendly Toyota Prius is available throughout the United States, it seems like Californians are more eager than the rest of the country to snap up this green vehicle and do their bit for the environment. Despite the fact that this vehicle didn’t list among the top 10 sellers throughout the rest of the US, it became the most commonly sold vehicle in California in 2012 with over 65,000 of them being purchased by individuals alone. Moving Towards a Greener Future With more and more people realizing how beneficial eco-friendly vehicles are to the environment, it stands to reason that sales for the Prius and other hybrid or eco friendly are on the rise. The rising cost of gas is also a deciding factor for many people to consider purchasing eco-friendly vehicles, as these usually rely on either battery power or electricity to run. While the purchase of so many of these vehicles by Californians is a good thing initially, there are concerns that have arisen stating that because the vehicles are more eco-friendly, drivers may be tempted to drive more than they did before. However, research has shown that the commute time of Californians is lower than that of some other states. Greener Vehicles Will Pay Off in the Long Run Although the Prius may seem expensive to purchase, the gas savings that owners will enjoy will soon offset the high purchase cost. These vehicles are not just eco friendly either; they have most of the modern electronic systems that motorists have come to expect when purchasing new vehicles. Gone are the days where hybrid or electric vehicles graced with nothing but the bare minimum of accessories and features. Features such as a power assisted braking system and electric power steering ensures long-term driver comfort, especially for those who are on the road a lot. In some cases, air conditioning is also able to be added to the purchase package in order to enhance passenger comfort. Californians are Well Known for Their Eco-Friendly Habits It is quite understandable that the Prius was the most popular selling vehicle in California over the past year, as this state is generally known for its population who chooses to live in a more environmentally friendly manner. The reason for this is that they may be more aware of the fact that their actions today could very well have an impact on the generations of tomorrow. By decreasing their carbon emissions and riving vehicles that require little to no gas to operate, they are also ensuring that precious resources like oil are being preserved for future generations. In general, Americans spend numerous hours commuting to and from work each year and by choosing to use an eco friendly Toyota Prius to do this means that they are willing to do their bit to actively reduce the amount of pollution that they and their families are creating each and every year.