Increase Energy efficiency with cars?

Question

How can we increase energy efficiency with cars that still use gas?

Answer 1

Hybrids are a non-starter because of the cost & weight of the batteries and with most cars now reducing the weight would compromise safety.  Here are the most effective ways to reduce fuel burn:

1.  This costs nothing- CHECK AND MAINTAIN TIRE PRESSURES!  Under-inflated tires are arguably the biggest cause of wasted fuel.

2.  Regular tune-ups.

3.  Regenerative braking.

Answer 2

it costs car outfits money to create this c**p and thats why cars that arent queermobiles cost 20,000.  what is your wallet efficiency

Answer 3

You can convert your gas-powered car to electric.

Answer 4

use ceramic composit internal engine parts that can operate at a higher temperature than metal, so you dont have to waste 30% of the combustion energy through an external cooling system.

Answer 5

Make them lighter, as by using composites instead of pressed steel for the body and other parts.  However, the materials are costly, and as a result the manufacturers are reluctant to use them.

Answer 6

The #1 solution is car-pooling.  You can cut your carbon footprint, and your expenses, by 50% or 67% right there!

After that it's engineering: lighter cars, smaller engines, modern diesels.  Hybrids are excellent (in smaller cars) because you can run the gas engine at it's optimum load and speed, while the batteries take care of variable power demands.  Hybrid systems in bigger cars are something of a joke, however.

Answer 7

Reduce their weight (with composites and plastics).

Reduce their drag (air friction).

Reduce their road friction (harder tires, fewer tires (motorcycles are more efficient))

Hybridize them with some other technology (like the Prius does with electricity).

Generally, by having more carpooling, you're having less gas move more people, though that isn't improving the efficiency of any particular car.

Answer 8

Here is a list of things you can do to make your existing car be more fuel efficient:

http://www.neutralexistence.com/begreen/...

Answer 9

Carpooling, mass transit (bus, subway etc...), hybrids. A lot of people think ethanol is a good option but it isn't much better than regular gas and is just prolonging the switch to cars without gas.

Answer 10

Engines that use air to burn will never be very efficient.  If you use pure oxygen, the engine will be so efficient that it will melt the pistons and cylinders (not good)  The big trick is to make the car lighter.  Use plastic, Styrofoam, Aluminum, and other light stuff instead of steel.  Also make the car smaller and more streamlined.  Electronic ignitions have helped, and redesigned engines.  One plan is to "bypass" some of the cylinders at idol.  The mechanism to do that is complex and tends to break easily.   Keeping the car tuned up and using a "super slick" motor oil can also help. Using hard bald tires will also increase efficiency, but makes the car hard to keep under control.  You have little enough aria

where the rubber meets the road as it is.

A different approach is in driving technique.  Accelerate smoothly and stop smoothly.  That "Udden--screech" diving is hard on mileage.  It also helps to show Courtesy to other drivers, even those who do not show courtesy to you.

I hope this all helps.               Logan A