What the “E” on Vintage Car Gear Shifts Actually Stands For — And How It Helped Drivers Save Fuel

Most drivers know the gear letters “P, R, N, D,” but older cars sometimes had an “E” that’s getting attention online.

The “E” stood for Economy mode, designed to save fuel by reducing engine power and smoothing gear shifts. It made cars less powerful but more efficient, especially on long drives when fuel savings mattered.

Today, modern cars no longer use a dedicated “E” gear. Instead, computers automatically manage fuel efficiency in real time.

That small “E” is now a reminder of how driving has evolved from manual control to smart, fuel-saving technology.