However, the Obama administration is proposing a new incentive for automakers:  If carmakers produce vehicle that are classified as zero-emission cars, they can count those cars twice when computing the average fuel economy of their fleet.

The details are a little hard to understand, especially if you aren’t a math-lover, but suffice it to say, it’s a good thing for automakers that produce green vehicles.

Many green carmakers, like US-based Tesla Motors, are trying to expand their product lines to include more affordable zero-emission vehicles.

Tesla Motors currently produces the Tesla Roadster, an all-electric exotic car capable of going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds.  They are expanding their line to include the Model S, a family sedan with a base price of $49,900.  Deliveries of the Model S will begin in 2011.

The new advances in green exotic cars are certainly exciting, but owning one of these automobiles is out of reach for many people.  Fortunately, there’s a more practical alternative.

If you’re interested in exotic cars, don’t want to spend a small fortune on your vehicle, and want to be environmentally conscious, one great option is joining an exotic car club.

Exotic car club members get all the benefits of owning an exotic car, but they don’t have the high payments and maintenance fees.  In addition, they don’t have to find secure exotic car storage or affordable insurance.

Car club members get access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles.  They can use points to drive an exotic car as often as they like.  Plus, they get the added advantage of being green because the exotic car is not their primary means of transportation.

For those people who only occasionally want to drive an exotic vehicle, exotic car rental is also a good option.  You can rent a convertible for the weekend, wow your classmates at your next reunion, or make your wedding day even more special.

If current market trends and incentives are any indication, electric cars are right around the corner.  In the meantime, you can enjoy yourself guilt-free when you join an exotic car club!

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer who specializes in cars, crafts, genealogy, and parenting.