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The History of the Electric Car
Travel back in time with us as we explore the history of the electric vehicle.
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Vehicles, and the fuel it takes to power them, are an essential part of our American infrastructure and economy, moving people and goods across the country. 

From funding research into technologies that will save Americans money at the pump to increasing the fuel economy of gasoline-powered vehicles to encouraging the development and deployment of electric and alternative fuel vehicles, the Energy Department is committed to providing consumers with a full range of vehicle choices while decreasing our dependence on foreign oil and reducing impacts on the environment.

Watch this video to learn about the benefits of electric vehicles -- including improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and lower maintenance costs.
U.S. Department of Energy
How Fuel Cell Vehicles Work
Fuel cell vehicles run on hydrogen gas rather than gasoline and emit only water. 
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Watch this video to learn key stats about fuel cell vehicles. 
U.S. Department of Energy

Tools

Find and Compare Cars
Link to Find and Compare Cars new
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Gas Mileage Tips
Our gas mileage tips can help you reduce the amount of gas you use.
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eGallon
The eGallon price is calculated using the most recently available state by state residential electricity prices. The state gasoline price above is either the statewide average retail price or a multi-state regional average price reported by EIA. The latest gasoline pricing data is available on EIA’s webpage. Find out more at www.energy.gov/eGallon.
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Subtopics

Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Using alternative fuels helps the U.S. cut oil consumption and reduce emissions. Learn how the DOE is driving innovation in alternative fuel vehicles.
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Hydrogen & Fuel Cells
Fuel cells use the energy from hydrogen in a highly efficient way -- with only water and heat as byproducts.
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Batteries
Learn about the Energy Department's innovative research and development in different energy storage options.
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Bioenergy
Learn how the Energy Department is working to sustainably transform the nation's abundant renewable resources into biomass energy.
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Featured Content

Electric Vehicle Benefits
Plug-in electric vehicles (also known as electric cars or EVs) are connected, fun, and practical. They can reduce emissions, improve energy securi...
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How to Fill Up Your Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

The text version for the "How to Fill Up Your Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle" video.

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Video: SuperTruck Barreling Down the Road of Sustainability

Latest Energy 101 video shows how new technologies are making heavy duty trucks more fuel efficient and less expensive to operate.

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Road to Fuel Savings: GM Technology Ramps Up Engine Efficiency
Learn how a new compact technology in the 2014 Chevy Impala is having a big impact on the vehicle's fuel consumption.
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Internal Combustion Engine Basics
Internal combustion engines provide outstanding drivability and durability, with more than 250 million highway transportation vehicles in the Unite...
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Transportation Fact of the Week
2020 Transportation Fact of the Week listing
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Vehicles Success Stories