The simple act of reducing wind resistance (or drag) could double a car’s gas mileage. It may not look pretty but it works.
Interestingly this technology was used in Germany in the 1930s.
http://www.aerocivic.com/
Video News story
http://www.wcnc.com/video/?nvid=242961
I thought it interesting that this idea hasn’t been exploited (or at least commercially) before. It probably has a lot to do with how it looks. I think the main thing is that it really only helps to a degree at high speeds. Since the guy has a 50 mile commute to work it really benefits him, otherwise if you’re just driving around town the effect would be minimal.
Another interesting thing, looking at some of the photos, how some of his modification panels are pretty rough. I mean not very smooth and aerodynamic like you’d think they’d need to be.
The other interesting thing is the negative effect the ethanol additive had on his gas mileage. I don’t quite understand his statement that he lost gas mileage but gained range.
I think the Aptera Electric vehicle uses a lot of these concepts.
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=1104622