Appropriate technology is not a term that is usually applied to cars, but many of the principles of appropriate technology are relevant.
In history
The W is a rare example of a car that was designed for the poorer segment of society, to be extremely efficient and low-cost. And yet it was also considered a comfortable car, in its own way, with a flexibility that many more expensive cars lacked.
Its remarkable fuel-efficiency is still unsurpassed by modern micro-cars, and perhaps even by the latest petrol-electric W.
The W also had many similar characteristics, though not as extreme, eccentric and efficient.
Modern fuel-efficient cars
Modern diesel cars can get better mileage than petrol-electric hybrids. The Opel Eco Speedster (a concept car) gets up to 113 mpg (2.5 L/100km[1]). See The Opel Eco Speedster Says: Diesels Can Rip and Sip at the Same Time on treehugger.com; or Ultimatecarpage.com page (with a few technical comments).
Retro-fitted technology
Devices to save the energy from braking have been developed to fit to trucks. Due to the expense, they are only cost-effective for large trucks, where heavy fuel use and long distances covered make it worthwhile.
Footnotes and references
- ↑ Or, if the 113 mpg is US gallons, that equals 136 mpg in imperial gallons; or 2.1 L/100km)