Energy-saving vehicle - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Energy-saving vehicle," is a straightforward and contemporary entry you might find in any modern crossword puzzle. It taps into our collective awareness of environmental issues and the technology developed to address them. This type of clue is a great example of how crosswords stay relevant by incorporating current language.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a direct definition. It asks for a term that describes a "vehicle" that is "energy-saving." The key is to connect the concept of "energy-saving" with its common colloquial synonym in an environmental context. The word "green" has become widely accepted shorthand for anything eco-friendly, sustainable, or environmentally conscious. Combining this with a common word for a vehicle leads directly to the answer.

Thinking Approaches

1. Direct Association: The most efficient path is to directly associate "energy-saving" with environmentalism. What color or term represents that movement? The word "green" should come to mind quickly. Combine that with "vehicle" (or a synonym like "car") and you've got your answer.

2. Brainstorming Synonyms: If the direct path isn't immediate, you can brainstorm related terms.

   • For "energy-saving," you might think: eco-friendly, efficient, hybrid, electric, sustainable.
   • For "vehicle," you might think: car, auto, transport. This might lead you to specific types like HYBRID or ELECTRICCAR, which are correct examples of the broader category the clue is looking for.

3. Using Crossings: This is an easy clue, but if you were stuck, even a single crossing letter would be a huge help. Seeing a 'G' at the beginning or the 'CAR' at the end would likely make the answer pop into your head instantly.

Background Context

The term "green car" is an umbrella designation for any vehicle that is considered more environmentally friendly than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. This category is broad and includes:

• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): Like the Toyota Prius, which combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor.
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): Hybrids with larger batteries that can be charged from an external power source.
• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): All-electric cars, like those made by Tesla, that run solely on battery power.
• Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Cars that run on hydrogen, compressed natural gas (CNG), or biofuels.

The term gained widespread use in the early 2000s as public and governmental interest in reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels grew. You can read more about the history and types on the Wikipedia page for Green vehicle.

Conclusion

"Energy-saving vehicle" is a perfect example of a modern, definition-based clue. It's accessible to most solvers and relies on common knowledge rather than obscure trivia or tricky wordplay. It's a satisfying fill that reflects the world we live in today.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about modern automotive trends focused on sustainability.
2. Hint 2: This term describes a category of vehicles, not a specific model.
3. Hint 3: The first part of the answer is a color often associated with environmentalism.
4. Hint 4: It's a compound word combining an eco-friendly color and a mode of transport.

The answer is GREENCAR.