When it comes to fuel efficiency, the number one guaranteed method is reducing those resistant forces preventing your forward momentum. In the case of most motorists, this force is commonly known as wind resistance. Despite our inclination towards streamlined vehicle designs over the last several decades, there are still several pockets of drag force that are simply unavoidable if we are to keep the current mass and shape of our large trucks.

Plasma Stream Offers A Frictionless Ride

In response to this problem, The University of Notre Dame has developed Plasma Stream, an air flow control system that utilizes plasma actuators in order to maximize fuel efficiency. This new system is capable of controlling airflow around the vehicle and provides a separation between the body mass of the truck and the surrounding air, minimizing the drag force significantly. Independent of the truck’s actual body shape, Plasma Stream has the very real potential to reduce fuel costs drastically by improving efficiency and lessening horsepower requirements.

Plasma Stream might be one of the most exciting technologies you have never heard about. This new technology maximizes fuel efficiency by, among other things, reducing drag and wind resistance as well as by reducing horsepower needed to propel a truck. 

New Scientist has a great article about it here.