The characteristics of energy-efficient vehicles determined by the degree of incorporation of advanced technology and on reactions of consumers to the vehicles using those technologies are emphasized. Critical technology design aspects, as well as important consumer preferences, have been identified. Nearly 300 vehicles were designed using a heuristic method to meet several different expectations of consumer preference for acceleration. Air-pollutant emission standards in the Clear Air Act Amendments of 1977 were assumed to have been met in all designs, even when fuel efficiency was projected to increase sharply. Weight reductions are still expected to play an important role in improving fuel economy. Stirling, and electric motors, was also expected to play a significant role in reducing automobile energy consumption. Use of alternative fuels for spark-ignition engines, as well as for the other engines, was projected. Large gains in overall energy efficiency were projected, with methanol fuels playing a significant role. Even with so many acceptable alternatives projected to be available to households for purchase, the spark-ignition engine always captured the largest share of the market. Steady improvement in that vehicle's design kept it attractive to households through the year 2000 under varying economic conditions. (ERA citation 08:055905)


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