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Affordable 75 mpg vehicles may be closer than we think

GasBuddy Blog -- Why can't the world's leading car companies make a vehicle that gets 100 mpg?

That's a question Popular Mechanics asked and they found that many technology innovations already implemented in low-production, high performance racing vehicles and concept cars could soon be feasible in mass-market vehicles. They're not going to deliver an affordable 100 mpg but the road to 75 mpg just might be getting smoother.

Steve Lapp, a professor from Ontario, told Popular Mechanics he's managed to hit 100 mpg --occasionally-- in his 2001 Toyota Prius. How did he do it? He mounted solar panels on the car's roof to keep the batteries charged when the sun is shining.

While that kind of creative thinking is promising, more...

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Submitted Jun 30, 2012 By: PD

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ggg452 Champion Author Manitoba Posts:1,580 Points:333,775 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 10:20:41 AM Ignore ggg452 Report Abuse ok
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:817 Points:20,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 10:02:27 AM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse hrry
bill294 Veteran Author Chicago Posts:434 Points:358,800 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Aug 3, 2012 1:32:47 AM Ignore bill294 Report Abuse Promising for a long time; but R&D to consumer application has been slow for decades.
Charles_NJ Rookie Author New Jersey Posts:9 Points:197,400 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 11:07:50 AM Ignore Charles_NJ Report Abuse Historically, big oil buys up the patents quickly on vehicle technology that can give higher mpg's, better battery and other technologies which lead to better efficiency. The second issue... Most "fuel economic" vehicles do not have the hot/manly look! The typical fuel efficient vehicles tend to have a small/pretty look. Do auto manufacturers really think real guys/general public want to buy those things? I'd hide my head while driving those vehicles. Say "re-gift"
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:817 Points:20,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 9:13:34 AM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse ok
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,362 Points:1,482,960 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 8:44:13 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse not far away
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,127 Points:294,405 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 7:41:54 AM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse ok
StationGF Sophomore Author Chicago Posts:121 Points:35,470 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 3:48:03 PM Ignore StationGF Report Abuse great news
gasokie Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:3,450 Points:1,327,140 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 1:43:12 PM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse Bring it on. Just wanting 100mpg won't bring it. Can't vote it in either. A lot more engineering is required. Some people remind me of a 1st grade class who had a pet rabbit. They didn't know if it was a boy or girl so they voted on it.
moni63 Rookie Author Ohio Posts:8 Points:275 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 6:06:00 AM Ignore moni63 Report Abuse Can't wait.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,643 Points:1,611,470 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 7, 2012 9:45:58 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse no reason to stop at 75mpg...
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,362 Points:1,482,960 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jul 7, 2012 9:03:19 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse get her done
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:817 Points:20,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jul 7, 2012 8:02:37 AM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse hurry
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:756,105 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jul 6, 2012 3:27:14 PM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse sounds promising
polarbear2 Champion Author Maine Posts:12,145 Points:2,757,035 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jul 6, 2012 11:31:03 AM Ignore polarbear2 Report Abuse That's BS small vehicles always lose when meeting large vehicles.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,643 Points:1,611,470 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 6, 2012 9:46:02 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse most vehicles are designed for people weighing up to about 225 lbs. Yet, the average American has long exceeded that weight. Time to drop the fat, learn to live healthier and then the 'smaller' vehicles aren't such a big deal.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,643 Points:1,611,470 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 6, 2012 9:44:42 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse there would be a lot more room in those if the majority of Americans wouldn't be so fat.
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,362 Points:1,482,960 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jul 6, 2012 9:27:04 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse hurry up
14Chevy14 Rookie Author Akron Posts:7 Points:290,420 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jul 5, 2012 9:14:24 PM Ignore 14Chevy14 Report Abuse Even if they were more affordable not sure I would want one not enough room in most , I do like the Chevy Volt but that is way too much for me .
CapriceWagon All-Star Author Washington Posts:949 Points:481,020 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Jul 5, 2012 10:38:08 AM Ignore CapriceWagon Report Abuse No, I don't really want one. Even at $30k a pious isn't worth it, if I was going to throw away money on toys I'd get a Tesla, it's a much nicer car and actually fun to drive, not a POS jap death trap
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:817 Points:20,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jul 5, 2012 9:21:15 AM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse great
WE0H Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:1,534 Points:481,810 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jul 5, 2012 1:18:15 AM Ignore WE0H Report Abuse The 2012 Prius PHV can average over 100 mpg on a tank of gas. Many owners are doing that.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,643 Points:1,611,470 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 5, 2012 12:03:02 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse travel: soon? I think (at least in the US) it already is. Has been for a good while.
travelling2012 Rookie Author British Columbia Posts:21 Points:3,435 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2012 9:56:24 PM Ignore travelling2012 Report Abuse thats about time it will come soon all about money
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:756,105 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jul 4, 2012 3:28:58 PM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse great
murgan Veteran Author Louisville Posts:385 Points:926,570 Joined:May 2001	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2012 2:02:05 PM Ignore murgan Report Abuse "Why can't the world's leading car companies make a vehicle that gets 100 mpg?" Because Americans love BIG cars. NEXT!!
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:756,105 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2012 12:13:43 PM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse great
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,362 Points:1,482,960 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2012 8:38:28 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse pretty soon
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,643 Points:1,611,470 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2012 6:16:24 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse tomok: problem w/ WVO is that there isn't enough to go around for all. But, we could GROW our own (like many countries in Europe do) and at least make it B-20. But that would be making too much sense. As for the making biodiesel in the outbuilding, I agree. As far away as possible from any structures that could burn - several items used in the production can cause fires. Around here WVO is not free and you're officially not allowed to transport it in any quantity larger than a gallon or two unless you have a hazmat license. Makes no sense, I know...
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:33,073 Points:2,347,460 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2012 6:11:59 AM Ignore tomok Report Abuse Lighter weight vehicle components, extra weight out of the vehicle (including overweight people), less fuel used, more MPG. The higher the vehicle fuel efficiency, the less fuel purchased, the more oil and refining companies will charge for fuel to make their profit. Some DIY EV's and Inbreds have thin, flexible solar panels on the roof, hood and trunk. Keep that vehicle battery charged as much as possible in open parking lots from the sun. You don't know the solar panels are there until you get close to the car. WVO (waste vegetable oil – bio diesel) is a good alternative to crude oil diesel fuel, make it yourself in an out building (Not in the garage) and do not have to buy diesel fuel at the gas station. Get WVO from restaurants, they usually do not charge for it but some do. Whatever the size or shape of the vehicle, Produce and ‘Drive’ vehicles with high MPG, are very safe, reliable, has a ‘reasonable’ cost and a good ‘value’ for the money. Consider using other forms of less expensive transportation to lower your cost. The price of fuel at the pump is too high! 12/22/2012!
kgbellman Champion Author Ann Arbor Posts:2,728 Points:734,765 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 10:41:34 PM Ignore kgbellman Report Abuse This looks like the third day I've seen this
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,127 Points:294,405 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 7:47:09 PM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse grreat
Galmar352 Champion Author San Antonio Posts:10,158 Points:1,882,625 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 3:03:55 PM Ignore Galmar352 Report Abuse Knew that...
bevmill Champion Author Georgia Posts:2,592 Points:602,495 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 1:56:43 PM Ignore bevmill Report Abuse ok
pilotmass Champion Author Boston Posts:1,836 Points:504,560 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 1:27:46 PM Ignore pilotmass Report Abuse So old it was featured in back to the future
sparky808 Champion Author Honolulu Posts:3,013 Points:600,660 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 1:18:45 PM Ignore sparky808 Report Abuse old news
DutchTreatMI Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:3,320 Points:753,640 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:40:38 AM Ignore DutchTreatMI Report Abuse So how versatile and family friendly are they?
TAT36 Champion Author Florida Posts:6,814 Points:1,305,950 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:32:41 AM Ignore TAT36 Report Abuse Sounds great until one asks how do you pay for roads if the mileage is so great and less tax money is coming in? The answer of course is to raise taxes on what you buy or have a per mile tax reported by GPS and just added to your tax liability at tax time.
zaq001 Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,990 Points:1,475,775 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:32:31 AM Ignore zaq001 Report Abuse very old news
EMoe57 Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:4,627 Points:1,017,990 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:27:52 AM Ignore EMoe57 Report Abuse oil news
driveonby1 Champion Author Toledo Posts:1,507 Points:256,665 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:24:45 AM Ignore driveonby1 Report Abuse Maybe by the time my grandchildren's kids are driving.
Sethyl Champion Author Miami Posts:1,763 Points:379,415 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:23:21 AM Ignore Sethyl Report Abuse will they still move quickly? we want our speedy vehicles here.
KaiserM715 Sophomore Author Houston Posts:233 Points:605,235 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:21:25 AM Ignore KaiserM715 Report Abuse It is already here, if you can buy some of the current European diesels not sold in the US.
5kvdave All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:688 Points:350,000 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:20:11 AM Ignore 5kvdave Report Abuse WHATEVER!!!!
DJRIO Champion Author Miami Posts:8,056 Points:1,427,535 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:19:53 AM Ignore DJRIO Report Abuse old news
Goody2317 All-Star Author Wilmington Posts:680 Points:620,005 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:19:34 AM Ignore Goody2317 Report Abuse Move on to something else.
SUV2009 Champion Author Orlando Posts:4,423 Points:1,145,165 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:19:00 AM Ignore SUV2009 Report Abuse Okay he did someing that I have been saying for years so what!
DozenSpeed Champion Author St. Louis Posts:1,293 Points:391,550 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:15:12 AM Ignore DozenSpeed Report Abuse Even closer since this was posted!
civicdutie Champion Author Rochester Posts:4,516 Points:956,185 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:13:36 AM Ignore civicdutie Report Abuse While it is possible, it isn't practical for the driving habits of the wannabe nascar driver.
slgas Champion Author Houston Posts:6,040 Points:1,564,490 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 9:12:45 AM Ignore slgas Report Abuse Is this perhaps starting the second full week of seeing this article?