Most drivers are familiar with the standard markings found on gear selectors. Manual cars typically display numbered gears along with an “R” for reverse, while automatic vehicles feature letters such as “P,” “N,” “D,” and “R,” sometimes accompanied by an “L” for low gear. This consistent format has shaped the driving experience for decades. So when some motorists spotted an “E” on certain older gear sticks, it naturally raised questions. For many, it was an unfamiliar symbol tied to an earlier chapter of automotive design.
The explanation is simpler than it first appears. In select older models, the “E” stood for “Economy.” This setting was designed to support fuel efficiency, particularly during steady cruising. By encouraging lower engine revolutions per minute and optimizing gear behavior for smoother operation, Economy mode aimed to reduce fuel consumption. It was an early mechanical solution to help drivers manage fuel use more consciously, especially during highway travel.
As automotive engineering advanced, the need for a dedicated Economy gear diminished. Modern vehicles now rely on computerized engine management systems, improved fuel injection, and refined transmission technology to optimize efficiency automatically. Instead of requiring drivers to select a separate setting, contemporary cars adjust performance in real time based on driving conditions. This evolution gradually made the “E” marking less common, turning it into a feature primarily remembered by experienced motorists.
Today, the letter “E” has taken on new meaning in the automotive world. It is most often associated with electric vehicles, representing a broader shift toward alternative energy and low-emission transportation. Unlike traditional manual systems, electric cars typically operate without multi-speed gearboxes, relying instead on streamlined controls. In this way, the once-mechanical “E” symbolizes both a practical step from the past and a sign of the industry’s forward movement toward a more efficient future.