Fuel Efficient Vehicles: How To Buy One - Vol.274
Today everything seems to cost more, and fuel is no exception. With this being the case it is no wonder why people want a vehicle with the best fuel efficiency possible. This may leave many people asking themselves how do I buy a fuel efficient vehicle?
What Determines A Vehicles Fuel Efficiency?
There are a number of things that determine the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. Size and weight as well as engine size are big determining factors in the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. Great progress has been made in utilizing strong but light weight materials in the construction of modern vehicles and their components, as well as continuing innovations in engine design and efficiency. Vehicles can generally be classified into 4 categories.
Small or compact vehicles
- Compact cars
- Compact pick-up trucks
- Compact SUVs
These vehicles are the smallest and most lightweight, typically with a 4 cylinder engine giving the best fuel efficiency.
Mid size vehicles
- Mid size passenger cars or sedans
- Pick-up trucks
- Mid size SUVs, crossovers, and minivans
These vehicles are slightly larger and heavier than compact vehicles, typically with a 6 cylinder engine and offer a mid range efficiency.
Large or full size vehicles
- Large passenger cars or sedans
- Full size or heavy duty pick-up trucks
- Large SUVs and vans
These are the largest and heaviest vehicles, typically with a 8 cylinder or larger engine giving them much lower fuel efficiency.
Performance cars
- Luxury vehicles
- Sports cars and exotic cars
These vehicles vary in weight and size, but typically have high performance 6 cylinder or larger engines and require the highest grade of fuel, which can lead to poor fuel efficiency and higher fuel cost.
These are basic guidelines and there can always be exceptions, for instance, there may be some sports cars that have a decent fuel efficiency while you may find a compact vehicle that has surprisingly poor or mid range fuel economy.
Hybrid, Flex Fuel, And Electric Vehicles
More recently a few other choices have been thrown in the mix, and may confuse consumers and make a car buying decision that much more difficult. Like any new technology the key to ending the confusion is to get a basic understanding of what it is and how it works.
Hybrid Vehicles: These are simply vehicles that utilize two different engine types to increase fuel efficiency, typically a normal gas powered engine and a battery powered electric motor. These vehicles do not need to be plugged in, the batteries are typically charged by utilizing excess energy from the gas engine. The electric motor supplements the gas engine, increasing fuel efficiency, and can even be solely used at lower speeds or around town driving.
Flex Fuel Vehicles: These vehicles are capable of using a variety of different fuel types, mixed together increasing fuel efficiency. They combine gasoline with methanol, ethanol, or biobutanol.
Electric Vehicles: Electric vehicles are exactly what they sound like, they are solely powered by batteries and electric motors. These vehicles have to be plugged in to recharge and not yet widely available but they are out there.
These are just a few of the new technologies that have been developed or put into production by car makers to help give customers better fuel efficiency.
How Do I Choose A Fuel Efficient Vehicle?
To ensure that you make the best choice possible when purchasing a fuel efficient vehicle you will need to do some research, ask questions and educate yourself. Determine what size vehicle you require to best meet your needs. Then determine the type of vehicle you need, once this is done, you can research all the vehicles that fit that size and type. You can then research the available choices, to determine which one has the best fuel efficiency.