Let’s face it, gas cars are on the way out and fuel-efficient cars are on the way in. Every day more and more legislation around the world is advocating for a greener way of living and the way we drive has a big impact on the future of our planet. The auto industry is introducing new fuel emission-busting vehicles every day, but trying to figure out how they work and which is the best option can be extremely difficult. Fear not! We’re here to explain all the different types of fuel-efficient vehicles to make shopping for one a little easier.
Understanding Fuel Efficiency in Vehicles
What Makes a Car Fuel-Efficient?
Fuel efficiency is the measure of how far a car can travel with a certain amount of fuel. Various factors contribute to a car’s fuel efficiency:
- Engine: The type of engine your car has can have a huge impact on its fuel efficiency. Modern engines can extract more energy from the fuel they burn, whereas smaller engines usually consume less than larger ones. Then there are hybrid engines which rely more on electricity to reduce pressure on the electric motor.
- Weight: Heavier cars require more energy to move, so consume more fuel than lighter ones.
- Aerodynamics: Smoother cars experience less drag, leading to less air resistance while driving and better fuel efficiency.
- Transmission: Manual transmissions are known for having better fuel efficiency as they have more control over gear shifts.
- Tires: Under-inflated tires increase resistance, which lowers fuel efficiency. The same goes for having proper wheel alignment.
- Fuel: Diesel is more fuel efficient than gas, however electric vehicles (EVS) are typically the most fuel-efficient options.
- Maintenance: Well-maintained cars are typically more fuel efficient because they are in better shape and the fuel system has been kept in good condition.
- Driving habits: Smooth driving is the best way to maintain good fuel efficiency. Rapid acceleration, hard braking and idling wastes fuel.
Why Fuel Efficiency Matters
Beyond the environmental benefits, there are many ways that fuel efficiency can be a positive:
- Costs: Fuel-efficient cars save money on fuel, which can reduce overall car expenses.
- Environment: Better fuel efficiency reduces reliance on fossil fuel consumption as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Health: More fuel-efficient cars on the roads lead to better air quality and improved public health for all, reducing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- Longevity: Cars with better fuel efficiency tend to suffer from less wear and tear on their engines and tires, leading to better longevity and higher resale values.
- Regulations: Governments are continuously implementing fuel-efficiency and emission regulations, making driving a fuel-efficient car the obvious choice.
Types of Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
Hybrid Cars: How They Work & Their Benefits
Hybrid cars are powered by a combination of internal combustion engines and electric motors that use energy from batteries. The electric motor allows the car to run at low speeds while the gas engine drives at higher speeds when needed. Though not entirely run by electricity and requiring gasoline, hybrid vehicles still reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Pros and Cons
Electric cars don’t use gas at all. They are fully run by an electric battery, with an electric motor powering the wheels. They are charged via EV charging equipment or a charging station with a direct current. They can also use a variety of renewable energy sources to generate electricity.
Instead of a battery in the front, electric vehicles have a high-power density battery pack with a long lifespan to power up the car as well as a cooler in between to prevent overheating.
They also operate using regenerative braking that enhances its efficiency by increasing its range and reducing the need for external charging. When you brake, the induction motor converts this energy into electricity, which is then stored in the battery pack for later use.
EVs have many advantages because they have zero emissions, are energy and cost-efficient, and there are often government incentives and rebates to encourage driving them. However, they are usually more expensive to buy and battery replacement can be extremely costly, they also require time to charge and have a limited driving range compared to gas-powered and hybrid cars.
Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs): A Middle Ground
Plug-in hybrids need to be plugged in to charge and have a more powerful electric motor than standard hybrid cars. They are somewhere between a hybrid car and an EV and offer a compromise for those wanting to drive an EV but with more reliability when it comes to range on the road.
Diesel Cars: Are They Still a Good Option?
Diesel fuel is more energy-dense than gasoline, which results in more energy per gallery. Cars that run on Diesel are usually more fuel efficient than those with gas engines as a result of this, so they can be a good option if you’re not ready to start avoiding the pumps.
That said, at the end of the day, they use more fuel than hybrids and EVs.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: The Future of Fuel Efficiency?
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCVs) use an electric motor to turn wheels in the same ways as battery-electric cars and can still be classified as e-cars, but they differ because they produce electricity themselves. They are fueled by a fuel-cell stack where pure hydrogen from one or more of the car’s tanks passes through a membrane. This combines with oxygen from the air to produce electricity to turn the wheels, as well as water vapor, producing no other emissions.
Driving HFCVs is similar to driving standard EVs. They are smooth and quiet, but they are slower than regular cars as there is no transmission. And, while the technology is exciting, there is still a lot of work to be done. The Toyota Mirai has 120 horsepower, which isn’t enough to get onto a highway. While this is supplemented by a high-voltage battery to assist with acceleration, it may not make you confident driving at high speeds.
Moreover, if the hydrogen components of the car need servicing, it will require a highly trained mechanic to do so. There are also rules and regulations as any escaping hydrogen can cause an explosion.
On the plus side, HCFVs can receive a full charge in as little as three minutes, but this all depends on there being a charging station available in your area. The likelihood of being able to drive an HCFV outside of California at the moment is very slim, as there is little infrastructure in the US, let alone worldwide.
How to Choose the Right Fuel-Efficient Vehicle
Comparing Costs: Purchase Price vs. Long-Term Savings
Fuel-efficient cars tend to be more expensive than gas-powered ones, but they are more likely to save you money in the long run.
Not only will EVs and hybrids save you money on gas, but they may also come with tax incentives and rebates which could help reduce ownership costs. In addition, they usually have lower maintenance costs because they have less moving parts and don’t require regular oil changes. That said, while more efficient than gasoline engines, diesel cars may be more expensive to maintain as their engines are more complex.
In addition, due to increasing demand, hybrids and EVs often have high resale values.
Driving Habits & Lifestyle Considerations
Different fuel-efficient cars are suitable for different drivers. For instance, hybrids are great for those who are often driving in city stop-and-go traffic where the electric motor is best suited for short distances and also reduces fuel consumption. EVs meanwhile produce zero emissions but are best suited for shorter commutes as they have less range. PHEVs offer the perfect middle ground as they have the benefits of gasoline and electric power.
Availability and Charging Infrastructure
Perhaps the most crucial factor in buying a fuel-efficient car, particularly when considering EVs and PHEVs, is whether there is adequate charging infrastructure in your area. If there isn’t this can be a deal breaker.
If you are driving an EV, you should also consider how far it can drive on a single charge and whether this is sufficient for your everyday needs. You should also take this into account when driving a PHEV if you are trying to save on fuel costs.
Best Fuel-Efficient Cars to Consider in 2025
Top Hybrid Models
The following hybrids were the most reliable models in the Consumer Reports 2024 survey and are great options as both new and used cars:
- Toyota Prius Hybrid: The Prius is the default go-to hybrid, known for long battery life. It also holds a 5-year residual value of 68.92%.
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid: This hybrid is known for not just its fuel economy, but also its comfort and reliability. It has been praised for its affordability and low maintenance costs too.
- Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid has excellent fuel economy and a responsive electric motor. It also comes with driver assist features.
- Lexus NX Hybrid: This is a stylish SUV that has been praised for its smooth performance and comfort. The later models come with advanced technological features too.
Best Electric Cars for Range & Affordability
And here are some of the best EVs on the market right now:
- Kia EV3: A new Kia EV3 can be yours for just $35,000, whereas a used model could be considerably less. It can cover 270 miles on a single charge. It also has a soft suspension and a modern infotainment system.
- Tesla Model 3: The Tesla Model 3 has been a favorite EV since its launch in 2019. Known for its speed and practicality. You can get a used one for under $20,000.
- Chevrolet Silverado EV: This pick-up truck can drive 400 miles on a single charge when driving 75 MPH on a highway. It can also go from 10 to 90 % charge in 58 minutes. On the pricier end of the spectrum, a new one will cost you around $58,000.
- Hyundai Ioniq 6: This car can drive 300 miles on a single charge in the SE trim. It balances both range and performance, with a used model being around $30,000.
Standout Diesel & Alternative Fuel Vehicles
- Ford Super Duty F-250 Power Stroke: This Diesel-fuelled truck has 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. It is great for towing and has a 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine.
- BMW 3 Series Diesel: This sporty sedan is a great option for those looking for luxury with added Diesel efficiency. It can go to 40 MPG on the highway and has great performance and handling.
- Toyota Mirai: This HCFV has zero emissions and is praised for its smooth performance. It has a 402-mile range and 182 horsepower.
- Hyundai Nexo: This HCFV SUV combines an impressive range with up-to-date technology. It has 161 horsepower and a 380-mile range.
Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Fuel-efficient cars are the future and there are many options out there. When deciding on your next purchase, it’s a good idea to research charging infrastructure in your area and think about your driving needs. There is something for everyone!