Fuel Efficiency

Corn crops have been exploding to meet the increased demand for ethanol. It may seem like a good thing, but the distinct possibility of permanent drought in several major corn-producing states has given farmers and scientists pause.

By Akweli Parker

We've heard it repeated so often in the past several years -- we're running out of the fossil fuels that power our cars. So why aren't we using solar power to fuel our vehicles?

By Jamie Page Deaton

Since its formation in 1967, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has created a number of mandates that have shaped the car industry in surprising ways. Do you live in a California emissions state?

By Patrick E. George

Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are already on the streets in some parts of the world. They're powered by the most abundant element in the universe and produce zero tailpipe emissions. Are fuel cells a good solution?

By Christopher Lampton

Did you know hydrogen-powered fuel cells are hitting the streets in some parts of the world? They're powered by the most abundant element in the universe and produce zero emissions. But are they dangerous?

By Christopher Lampton

Vegetable oil as a fuel? While it certainly is an option for a few engines, we're probably a long way from using last night's grease as the fuel of the future.

By Ed Grabianowski & Kristen Hall-Geisler

You might be surprised by some of the alternative fuels mentioned here. Which of these ideas are pure crank science, and which have a real chance to change the world?

By Ed Grabianowski & Patrick E. George

A hydrogen-on-demand system can provide hydrogen for a fuel cell or for an internal combustion engine. But what about claims indicating you can fuel your car with water? Is there any truth to those statements?

By Jamie Page Deaton

Electric vehicles have been around since the first half of the 19th century; however, until recently, no reliable, mass-producible batteries were manufactured that could make electric cars competitive with gas-powered vehicles. That's beginning to change.

By Christopher Lampton

As gas prices spike daily, we're all looking to save money at the pumps. But if your car uses daytime running lights, be prepared to dig deep into your wallet.

By Jennifer Horton

Both hybrid and electric vehicles use battery packs to power electric motors. Some systems are capable of generating 300 volts or more. Isn't it dangerous to drive these high-voltage cars through deep puddles?

By Ed Grabianowski

From electricity to saltwater to air, these vehicles run on all kinds of things you'd never imagine as fuel. What might power your car in the near future?

Could the same type of battery that powers your cell phone power your car? Lithium-ion batteries are much lighter, which could amp the speed of the car. But they're certainly not cheap.

By Cristen Conger

On a sunny day, you can practically singe your fingers on your car's steering wheel. But what if all that sun could be leveraged to power its engine instead?

By Cristen Conger & Cherise Threewitt

The search for alternative fuel is on. Could a pocket-sized version of a nuclear power plant make your car run 5,000 miles (8,047 kilometers) between fill-ups?

By Jacob Silverman

Ethanol production is deeply embedded in American history. But who could have known that those old moonshine stills just might be the answer to the current fuel crisis?

By Jennifer Pocock

One of the easiest ways to increase a car's efficiency is to reduce its weight. Carbon fiber -- a material as light as it is strong -- could do just that.

By Jamie Page Deaton

How much money could you save if you skipped the pump and filled up your car with a garden hose? Some researchers claim that water will be the fuel of the future.

By Josh Clark

Hydrogen proponents tout the energy efficiency and relative ease of producing this alternative fuel. Its opponents want us to remember the Hindenburg.

By Josh Clark

Let's face it: Gas will never go on sale, but there are ways to save. What 10 things can you do to make your driving (and lifestyle) a little greener?

By Jamie Page Deaton

Gone are the days when you battled your brother over your mom's car keys. Now, car sharing is civilized, organized and affordable.

By Jessika Toothman

If you yearn for the days of chatting with friends during the bus ride to school, then joining a carpool might allow you to relive those glory years.

By Jessika Toothman

As gas prices rise and dire warnings about global warming take over the news, consumers are considering alternatives to gasoline. How much could fuels from corn and vegetable oil run you? And who's setting the price?

By John Fuller

Putting sugar in someone's gas tank has long been rumored to ruin someone's car. But does it really work?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Pouring diesel fuel into an unleaded tank isn't the end of the world: your car won't blow up. However, it won't start either. You'll have to do some serious cleaning to get your car running again.

By Marshall Brain