Four Paths to Fuel Efficiency

Plenty of people claim they want fuel-efficiency, yet many shun higher-efficiency cars unless they see a tangible economic benefit. Many of us are environmentally concerned, but only when it doesn't cost us much—if anything.


When gasoline prices shot skyward in mid-2008, hybrids and small fuel-efficient cars suddenly experienced newfound popularity. Dealers ran out of Toyota Priuses and Honda Civic Hybrids, and those on sale commanded prices well above sticker. As gasoline sunk back below $2 a gallon later in the year, those sensible cars lost a sizable share of their appeal.


As conventional gasoline engines start to lose their dominance, no one knows what will take their place. Already, we have several competitive approaches: hybrids, diesels, full-electrics, and—more experimentally—fuel cells. Plug-in hybrids are coming soon, making five prospects.

Electric Power

MINI E

For a short time in the early 20th century, electric cars dominated the market. Soon, internal-combustion engines running on gasoline took the top spot. Electric cars appeared sporadically through the rest of the century. In the 1970s, a number of small manufacturers turned out mini-size electrics. GM went electric in the 1990s, leasing EV1s to several thousand customers. As the documentary film “What Happened to the Electric Car?” pointed out, many of those lessees were unhappy when GM "pulled the plug" on that project, snatching all those EV1s away from their enthusiastic drivers.


Now, nearly a decade into the 21st century, electric cars are experiencing a long-awaited comeback. GM has initiated a publicity blitz for its Chevrolet Volt, first seen at Detroit's auto show in January 2007, and will become reality in 2010. The Volt will have a gasoline engine, but it's used only to charge the battery. Several other automakers have announced plans for battery-powered cars.


Already, BMW's MINI subsidiary has unveiled a full-electric MINI E. About 500 are to be leased in California, New Jersey, and New York for $850 per month (including insurance). Responding with surprising briskness to the accelerator pedal, the MINI E delivers performance that's truly reminiscent of regular gasoline-engine MINI Coopers.


Mitsubishi intends to bring its i MiEV electric minicar to the U.S. market. Going on sale first in Japan, the curvy little egg-shaped i MiEV has been undergoing testing by power companies. Performance is on the mild side—about as expected from a small electric car. But like the Mini E, it's fun to drive. Nissan recently debuted its Leaf electric car, which will see limited release in 2010 and full-production for 2012. Nissan says the Leaf accelerates like a V6, and produces a top speed of 90 mph.


Full-electric vehicles have to be recharged at a power outlet: either rapidly at a 220-volt outlet, or more slowly at a conventional 110-volt source. Electric cars produce no emissions, though critics warn that the powerplants that provide the electricity are far from emissions-free. They're quiet, and can perform comparably to conventional small cars.