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A study by the National Academy of Sciences finds that consumers don't fully understand the actual energy savings of various activities (like driving a more efficient car or turning off lights), indicating that consumer education or awareness programs could have a big impact on energy consumption.

80% of the cars in the US auto fleet drive less than 40 miles a day, which is the capacity of current in-vehicle battery technology. Converting some of these cars to plug-in electric vehicles is a big step towards energy independence.

Researchers at the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory have designed a new air conditioner that uses both evaporative cooling and a liquid desiccant to remove moisture. Engineers believe it could use up to 90% less energy than conventional air conditioners in humid areas.

A new type of engine that stores compressed air could improve fuel economy by as much as 50 percent.