Advanced technology saves fuel
The hybrid-electric vehicle is just one use of advanced technology that is available in cars today to improve fuel efficiency.
Advanced, energy-efficient technologies are available in cars now that include hybrid vehicles, clean diesels, as well as improved technology for engines and transmissions.
Hybrids get the best gas mileage of all new technologies by combining the gasoline engine with electric motors and other fuel efficient technologies.
Diesel engines are known to be more fuel-efficient that gasoline engines but have been noisy and pollute more than gasoline engines. The new diesel engines are cleaner and quieter and must meet the same emissions requirements as gasoline engines.
Improved engine technologies include variable valvetrains that optimize the flow of fuel and air in the cylinders for various engine speeds. Cylinder deactivation is another engine improvement that saves fuel by deactivating cylinders when they are not needed. And direct fuel injection allows higher compression ratios, which deliver higher performance with lower fuel consumption.
New transmission technologies include automated manual transmissions that combine the efficiency of manual transmissions with convenience of automatics. Other energy-efficient technologies include continuously variable transmissions and six and seven-speed transmissions. Look for energy-saving technologies when it’s time to buy your next car.