Types of Fuel Efficient Vehicles

Below is a listing of some of the more popular and practical types of fuel efficient vehicles.

Gas Powered

Your car doesn't need to have an electric motor to offer terrific fuel efficiency. In fact, MSN.com  recently posted an article featuring five gas-powered cars that average over 40 MPG on the highway. Even if the car you're thinking about buying isn't one these mega misers, there are a couple of key considerations that can help you save, including:

Four-Cylinder vs. V6

The general rule of thumb is that the smaller the engine the better the fuel economy. Of course, when you do choose a smaller engine, you may also be sacrificing things like speed and power.

Standard vs. Automatic

Not only do automatic transmissions increase the sticker price, they also increase what you pay at the pump – meaning that if you want to save, a standard transmission may be your best choice.

Hybrid Cars

Not all hybrids are created equal. Different types of hybrid cars use different technologies – the following are two of the most common examples:

Strong Hybrids

These cars have separate gasoline and electric engines; and depending on driving conditions, these engines either work together or separately to power your vehicle. Some examples of strong hybrid cars include the Toyota Prius and Nissan Altima Hybrid.

Power Assist Hybrids

In a power assist hybrid engine, the electric motor never operates alone. Instead, the gasoline engine is always engaged, and the electric engine is used to complement its power. The Honda Civic Hybrid is one example of a power assist hybrid.

Other Fuel Efficient Choices

As our technology expands, so has the choice in fuel efficient technologies. A few additional fuel efficient options include:

Clean Diesel

With many newer model luxury cars being offered with a clean diesel option, clean diesel engines are quickly becoming a popular choice among car buyers looking for better fuel efficiency without sacrificing room, power, and comfort. On average, diesel engines are more powerful and fuel-efficient than similar-sized gasoline engines (about 30-35% more fuel efficient).

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are propelled by an electric motor and powered by rechargeable battery packs - Meaning no gasoline. While the current technology still limits the driving range of these vehicles, many of the newer models are capable of traveling from 50 to 100 miles on a single charge.