1.) Use of hydrogen as the car fuel.
Engineers are today working hard to design cars that can use hydrogen as fuel. The chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen produces water H2O and heat energy. This is a very friendly form of powering modern vehicles. Already BMW have developed cars that can use both petrol and hydrogen; the 7 series edition. The major challenge has been making hydrogen refilling stations easily available for the car users.
2.) Use of hydrogen fuel cell.
A hydrogen fuel cell is used with an electric motor to drive a car. The hydrogen cell acts as the car battery and through the process of electrolysis the hydrogen cell produces electric energy that powers the electric motor. This electric motor then drives the car. This car is noiseless and water is the by-product of electrolysis in the hydrogen cell. Renault is using this model in Grand Scenic model.
3.) Use of parallel hybrids and series hybrids.
A parallel hybrid car uses both a car engine and an electric motor to power the car. The presence of an electric motor enables the car maker to fit the car with a small engine which is more economical than a bigger engine. Batteries power the electric motor; however, every time the car breaks the electric motor reverses and charges the batteries. The Honda Civic IMA uses this design. A series hybrid car, just like a parallel hybrid uses both an engine and an electric motor and also a generator. The engine drives a generator and the energy generated by the electric motor drives an electric motor. Since the engine is not connected to the wheels it is able to operate at maximum efficiency for best fuel consumption. The Toyota Prius uses this design.
4.) Uses of the stop start system for the engine.
It has been found that a car can save between 5% and 8% of fuel by stopping the engine when it is not in use. This may be in areas like when a person is driving down-hill and they want to slow down the pace of the car. Volkswagen have used such a system for a long time, BMW has recently introduced such a system into their car models.
5.) Use of break energy regeneration technology.
Break energy regeneration technology takes advantage of the fact that a car in motion has kinetic energy and when the car stops this energy is lost. Most hybrid cars use this technology by converting this kinetic energy into electrical energy,this energy is used to recharge the car battery. The KERS system which uses this technology is used in formula 1 racing cars.
6.) Use of intelligent gear change indicators.
This concept is based on the knowledge that the lower revolutions per minute the better the fuel consumption. Volkswagen uses this technology in its Blue Motion models, hence ensuring that its vehicle consume less fuel while moving at the same speed as other cars.
7.) Use of more streamlined aerodynamic design.
A streamlined aerodynamic design is important to minimize air resistance when the car is in motion. Most cars have a flat underbody and low-rolling resistance tyres for better aerodynamic design. This streamlined aerodynamic design ensures low air resistance and hence better fuel consumption.
In light with the advancement in technology the driving standards agency should modify their dsa theory test to reflect these changes. Modern vehicles differ in many ways compared to vehicles used in the past. They consume less fuel and have a lot of electronic components and controls making them easier to drive. These features are automatic gear box and electronic commands such as those used to in windows.
Author Bio:
Scott Archer is a professional content writer and blogger from the UK who shares his travel experiences. His hobbies include travelling, trekking and cooking and he is currently working on a project dsa driving test which provide license to travel by road.