One idea getting serious consideration in many circles is a motor-in-wheel drive system that completely eliminates the conventional drivetrain. This video displays a Siemens design for a modular wheel assembly that combines braking, steering, suspension/damping, speed sensing, braking, and traction control in a single sub-assembly, easily installed at each corner on an assembly line.

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Here's a test drive in Mitsubishi's MiEV. More and more prototypes are showing up with lithium ion batteries. Notice the comparison to its turbocharged gas engine version by the commentator.

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And now Mazda with a multi-faceted approach to alternate fueling: a vehicle with a rotary internal combustion engine, electric drive motor, lithium ion battery and dual fuel tanks: one for hydrogen, the other for gasoline.

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Here's a video comparing four contenders for the fuel economy title. A little more insight than you'll get looking at EPA numbers on a window sticker.

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