Overview

Energy efficiency concerning transportation could mean taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking or riding the bike instead of driving, or sending an email instead of sending letters. Energy efficiency could be thought of as enhancing one item to its fullest potential. It could also mean finding other means that do not consume as much energy or living in a more energy conservative way. Transportation is a major factor in the quest for energy efficiency. The new technology being introduced to the transportation industry can help reduce the need for petroleum, reduce the costs and damageable impacts on the environment, and provide a greater sense of energy conservation.

Transportation

The new technology being introduced to the transportation industry can help reduce the need for petroleum, reduce the costs and damageable impacts on the environment, and provide a greater sense of conserving energy.

From CartoonStock

The two main concepts of cars being introduced in the market that have energy efficiency in mind would be hybrid vehicles, and the idea of using alternative fuels.

http://www.tech-faq.com/hybrid-cars.shtml

Hybrid vehicles are not only energy efficient, but they are becoming fashionably-trendy as well as more economically savvy. Hybrid vehicles depend on the use of a combination of gasoline as well as electrical (battery-powered) engines to propel the vehicle. Although the use of an electrical engine can reduce the power and speed of the car, it also reduces the amount of work put on the gas engine. Hybrid cars use the strength of both engines, resulting in less pollution emission and more money left in your pockets because of the consumption of less gasoline. Also, because hybrid cars use electrical charges, the excess energy given off the battery can help the brakes of your car, without relying only on friction to stop. Less friction applied to the brakes can extend the life of them, only keeping more money in your pocket.

Alternative fuels are presented in several ways as well, like biodiesel, electricity, ethanol, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane. These are also known as biofuels. Biofuels are much more energy efficient than gasoline and diesel, and they do not emit as much pollution either. Alternative fuels are being used because the CO2 emissions are creating a greenhouse effect, and these effects are being noticed by the global warming issue.