For those of us who aren’t in the market for an electric car just yet, but still want to save some money and the environment through smarter driving, MSN and Treehugger offer this guide to improving your existing car’s efficiency.
Some of the entries apply only to hybrids, like this one:
8. Solarize Your Roof
Existing solar cars tend to look like recumbent bicycles wrapped in black trash bags, and they also don’t have much to offer on cloudy days. But that doesn’t mean you can’t put the sun to work for your commute. Solar Electric Vehicles manufactures solar panel systems that can be installed on the roof of your hybrid. Gathering sunlight and converting it into electricity, the panel lets a hybrid run for up to 20 miles per day in pure electric mode, netting a purported 29 percent increase in fuel economy.
while several others will work for just about any car, like the ever-popular advice to take it "easy on the throttle," which tops the list. Another common-sense approach that anyone can try is lightening their load:
2. Trading Pounds for Gallons
Lighter cars get better fuel economy. But before trying to cut your car’s weight and drag by tearing out upholstery and knocking off side mirrors, do the easy stuff first. Jettison the sandbags, golf clubs, and phonebooks from the trunk (better keep that spare, though). An unused roof rack also creates unnecessary drag. Also, don’t waste your gas dollars driving to stores that are closed, or getting lost on the way. Map out routes beforehand, call ahead or check hours online, use a GPS system, or combine trips to drive fewer total miles.
Not every nugget on the list will apply to everyone, but there are enough good, easy-to-execute options here that everyone should find at least one or two worth their time and attention.
Tags: efficiency, electric car, hybrid