The vehicle efficiency wedge is about conserving energy that saves both money and helps to make our environment healthier. Energy efficiency generally can also be seen as one of the wedges that will ultimately redirect our carbon based economy to a more sustainable and less polluting outcome.

Robert Jackson and William Schlesinger of Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences , suggest that “A doubling in fuel efficiency through hybrid technology, advanced diesel engines and lightweight materials could precede a transition to hydrogen vehicles,which now require fossil fuels or other sources of energy to generate the hydrogen."

Only about 15% of the energy from the fuel you put in your tank gets used to move your car down the road or run useful accessories, such as air conditioning. The rest of the energy is lost to engine and drive line inefficiencies and idling. Therefore, the potential to improve fuel efficiency with advanced technologies is enormous.

Many of the energy efficient technologies tabled below are already available. Car makers need to integrate all these fuel saving technologies to substantially reduce emissions.

The vehicle efficiency wedge as shown here is quite different and separate to that associated with driving and maintaining a vehicle. To find a list of tips to help save fuel and make your existing car more efficient, go here.