Now is the time to go green, says website

People who are considering getting their hands on an eco-friendly car may find there is no time like the present when it comes to making a purchase.

This is according to WhatGreenCar, which said that there are some innovative and environmentally-friendly cars about to hit the market over the coming months.

With many pockets strained by the credit crunch and the world under threat from climate change, the website suggested that an investment in a car which is ecologically sound could be long overdue.

Dr Ben Lane, managing editor of the site commented: "While it may be confusing for consumers trying to choose a new car, with so many technologies on offer, there's no doubt that manufacturers are fully engaged with the challenge of designing, and more importantly selling, greener and ultra-green cars."

Among the website's suggestions of the top models for 2010 is the Toyota Plug-In Prius hybrid, which was successfully launched last year.

However, the latest model is eagerly anticipated, WhatGreenCar said, and is sure to be a hit for those in search of an electric vehicle.

Estimations suggest that the car will emit 59g CO2/km, which the website said is "incredible for a car of this size". With 20 vehicles set to be delivered to the UK in the middle of the year, car buyers had perhaps better get their orders in fast.

WhatGreenCar also highly recommends the Nissan LEAF electric, which is billed as the world's first zero-emission small family car.

It operates using a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis and is said to comfortably transport five adults.

The vehicle also has the stamina people require from an electric car, as it has a range of more than 100 miles - a feature which WhatGreenCar expects will be a big hit with consumers.

Expected to be available in the autumn, the car is also believed to come with a number of financial incentives.

"As with the iOn, fuel costs are less than 2p per mile, road tax is nil, and the car will qualify for the 100 per cent discount from the London Congestion Charge," the website revealed.

At the top of the WhatGreenCar pile of top electric cars to keep an eye out for in 2010 is the Peugeot iOn electric, which again claims to have no CO2 emissions.

The website describes it as "a French incarnation of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV" and hails the vehicle as being a "proper four-seat electric car".

Other features include a range of 81 miles, a recharge time of six hours and a top speed of 87mph, which are all credentials that WhatGreenCar believes will make it a success with the car-buying public.

This year has so far proved a good one for Peugeot, as it recently scooped the What Car? Car of the Year 2010 award for the 3008 Crossover.

It was hailed for its "host of useful driving features available such as grip control, dynamic roll control, a heads-up display", which its ability to give distance alerts and hill assistance also grabbed the attention of the judges.

Once again illustrating Peugeot's environmental commitments, it produces emissions of 130g CO2/km, with the hybrid version expected to improve on this figure further.

Whichever eco-friendly car people opt for in 2010, it is worth taking out an eco car insurance policy as well to offset any emissions.

With a growing number of electric cars making it on to the market, this could really be the year of eco friendly driving.