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This is an assessment of alternative propulsion technology options presently under investigation for potential application to automobile propulsion in the 1990's. It includes a brief review of key aspects of the new US DOE National Energy Strategy, as recommended to the President in March 1991, and the impact on future automotive propulsion policy choices in the immediate future. Also considered is the impact of the decision by the California Legislature, in the 1990-91 State Budget, which directed the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to expand the assessment and policy support for improvements in transportation technology. In addition, key technical aspects of the prime mover options currently under development around the World are shown. Among these options are: ceramic piston engine dynamic structural components for conventional four-stroke engines, ceramic gas turbines, new two-stroke engines, and electric propulsion.

The US EPA 40CFR certification label fuel economy mpg for 114 model types of 1998 model year passenger vehicles marketed in the United States (US) by European. Pacific Rim, and American manufacturers, was correlated with fuel economy mpg test data obtained by the Consumers Union (CU) of US, Inc., a nonprofit, independent consumer information organization. The 114 model types range in curb mass (empty weight) from 916 kg (2015 lbs) to largest 2425 kg (5335 lbs). This correlation shows that the manufacturers US EPA label values overstate city mpg and understate the highway mpg significantly; in comparison to the CU city mpg and CU highway mpg test data, for the 114 model types of motor vehicles, reported by Consumers Union in 1998.