Car companies are not laughing. In 1991, before the industry got serious about greener cars, Lovins used a speech before the U.S. National Research Council to call for a transportation revolution. The response was immediate. More than two dozen car companies have enlisted his expertise from time to time. As important as the type of power used will be the materials and the overall design.
Current models expend about one-third of their power just cutting through the air.
In the future, underbodies will be smooth. Headlights and windshield wipers will fit seamlessly into the body. Tiny video cameras and interior TV monitors will replace sideview mirrors. Better onboard computers will improve everything from engine performance to braking. Most of these concepts didn't originate with Lovins, but few people do a better job of combining them into a clear vision.