The World’s Most Fuel Efficient Car: 285 MPG, Not A Hybrid
This is what a team of engineers can do when challenged to push the limits of fuel efficiency and technology. You may have already heard of VW’s 1-liter car, but take a closer look. It’s a sports-economy concept car produced a few years ago by VW engineers, to answer one big question: could they build a car that consumes less than 3 liters of fuel for every 100 km traveled?
It turns out they could, but they didn’t stop there. Instead, VW blew by that goal to create a car that uses only 1 liter of fuel for every 100 km. That’s 285 MPG.
To accomplish such a feat, VW’s engineers had to go back to the drawing board and start from scratch. They knew that fuel efficiency depends on aerodynamics and weight, so they created a bullet-shaped, ultra-lightweight (640 lbs) carbon-fiber car powered by a new, completely redesigned diesel engine. To save more weight, they didn’t even paint it:
Proper aerodynamics were key to the low fuel consumption. VW engineers knew they needed a small frontal area. This led to its unusually narrow, bullet-shaped body where the passenger sits behind the driver. As well, the car features an aircraft-like canopy, enclosed rear wheels, special flat carbon-fibre front wheel covers, and an aerodynamic underpan. Even the side cooling air inlets only open when the engine needs cooling, and otherwise stay closed. . .the 1-Litre-Car has an amazingly low coefficient of drag of 0.16 (a typical car has a drag coefficient of approximately 0.30 ).
Everything in the car was made out of lightweight carbon-fiber or magnesium, gears were hollowed, and bolts were made from titanium. Like the electric Aptera Typ1 that I wrote about earlier, the VW 1L was designed without side mirrors (too much drag), instead relying on internal video screens to guide the driver. And also like the Aptera, safety was of particular concern:
Despite its small size and light weight, Volkswagen says the 1-Litre-Car is as safe as a GT sports car registered for racing. With the aid of computer crash simulations, the car was designed with built-in crash tubes, pressure sensors for airbag control, and front crumple zones. Its aluminum fuel tank is located in a protected area behind the passengers. As well, the 1-Litre-Car includes ABS and ESP (electronic stability program).
The existence of the VW 1-Liter car suggests the possibility of drastically reducing our vehicle fuel consumption without any major advances in technology. You probably won’t ever see the VW 1-Liter on the road, but don’t think something like this will never come to the market. You’ll see Aptera’s electric and plug-in hybrids within the next year, and they look like spaceships too.
Addendum: VW’s 1L car will be released in 2010!
Related Posts on Green Car Technology:
Affordable Electric Cars Coming to US in 2009
Mercedes 40-MPG Diesel Hybrid: Cleanest SUV on the Planet
Tesla Motors Sues Fisker Automotive Over Electric Car Design
Aptera’s $26,000 Electric Car and 300 MPG Hybrid Coming Soon
Subaru STI: Is Diesel the Intersection of Power and Fuel Economy?
376.59 MPG Car Found In Museum (It Was Built In 1959)
Source:
CanadianDriver (Jun. 5, 2002): Feature: VW 1-Litre-Car
Volkswagen UK
Photo Credit: Canadian Driver
I wonder if someday someone will take all the glass out of a car and instead use multiple cameras and displays inside to save weight and improve aerodynamics.
Just think, no more hot sun on us as we drive (no more choosing the route just so it keeps the sun out of your sleeping kids face), pick your nose on your commute to your hearts content, no more wipers, no more cracked glass. NO MORE PEOPLE EJECTED THROUGH THE WINDOWS IN CRASHES. The cameras could give a multitude of views including a roof mounted camera to see over and beyond the cars immediately ahead.
[...] been talk about the VW 1L concept for years. Since VW built the original, fuel economy, safety, price, and release date has been [...]
There is no single solution to global warming, only many hurdles. One at a time they can be overcome. This 235 mpg car is way over the top of anything we have on the road right now. Companies NEED to be selling these cars so we can actually use them instead of just reading about them! I apologize if I seem a little excited, but I am. Why didn,t they do this 20 years ago instead of wasting all that time and money on solar concepts.
Finally, the Toyota Prius was laughed at when it first came out but now there everywhere. So now I say,”Yes, I can ask for anything more, where is my Volks Wagon ?”.
Very cool looking car but definitely not for families.
FYI,
100 km / liter = 235 miles/gallon. Not 285!
Check your arithmetic next time!!!!
“This 235 mpg car is way over the top of anything we have on the road right now. Companies NEED to be selling these cars so we can actually use them instead of just reading about them! I apologize if I seem a little excited, but I am. Why didn,t they do this 20 years ago instead of wasting all that time and money on solar concepts.”
Slow down there, son.
How much will it cost? Carbon fiber, titanium and magnesium are hella costly.
What is the performance? Top speed? 0-60?
Can it be driven in the snow?
If it’s practical, it will sell. If it’s not, it won’t. There’s no conspiracy. Just market forces.
And there’s no magic, either.
@Bill Wangard and other Americans: FYI, Germany is in Europe. Europe doesn’t use American Gallons. 1L/100km = 282mpg Imperial.
What an absolutely wonderful invention. It’s better than having to buy motorcycle for fuel economy. It appears it could be used all year round. If people are worried about being in an accident, why don’t we make this little car mandatory for anyone traveling solo or with only 1 passenger. Give them their own lane on the freeway and in time get rid of the big gas hogs. I would think with a little more research they could come up with a family car that got 180 mpg. I’ll buy one if the price is right.
“It appears it could be used all year round.”
It appears to have zero ground clearance. It appears three inches of snow will stop it.
Kindly do not “mandate” that I buy this, and I promise I won’t mandate that YOU buy something that ill suits you. Thank you.
Another great thing about this is that it is diesel and you can run it on vegetable oil.