Moletech Fuel Saver theoretically saves fuel

Add Moletech to the growing list of companies trying to cash in on going green -- they claim their new Fuel Saver cuts down on emissions and improves fuel economy in all fossil fueled engines. After some preliminary testing the California Environment Engineering Center for Environmental Research seems to agree that the device does actually work, but until more rigorous assessments are made your, uh, mileage may vary. The "universal product" comes in eight models to fit any size vehicle from cars to scooters to boats, with prices ranging from $119 to $299 USD. If you install one in your Prius and start contributing back to the grid, be sure to let us know.

[strider_mt2k @ Jan 6th 2008 11:39AM]

Oh boy! I hope it uses magnets!

[Jeremy K. @ Jan 6th 2008 1:20PM]

lol:
The ceramic powder of the Mtech Fuel Saver absorbs thermal energy and re releases it in a different specific wavelength.

[interspectrum @ Jan 6th 2008 11:45AM]

Please! These so called "devices" have been around since the 70's gas crunch. Basically you drop in the magic device into your fuel tank and suddenly you get amazing gas savings. These do not work. Save your money. If you want to waist your money go by some carbon offset credits. They will not do anything either but at least you will feel good.

[yoshi @ Jan 6th 2008 12:08PM]

Yeah, but there's a whole new batch of suckers who haven't seen them (or forked over any cash for them) yet.

[Brien Mizell @ Jan 6th 2008 11:47AM]

it looks like a butt plug... for your car! My car is gonna run better with something up it's ass? If that's the case then i need a new car.. one that is not so... what's the word?? ... GAY!!!

[tempworker @ Jan 6th 2008 12:13PM]

I think it runs off of ignorant consumers.

[Jake @ Jan 6th 2008 12:22PM]

What would be more helpful than a link to their self-promoting home page would be a link to the alleged Center for Environmental Research that tested their product. This smells like BS to me, Engadget. Do you guys even understand obvious science or engineering?

[insertAlias @ Jan 6th 2008 1:48PM]

Do you even understand the sarcasm that the writer slathered on the end of this article? Its not like they are advertising for you to go buy this crap.

[cirby @ Jan 6th 2008 12:45PM]

Definite scam.

The only actual report they have is a PDF from a Professor of Environmental Engineering in Australia who talks about the theoretical benefits of the device (with no actual testing done). They have a single letter from a California engine testing lab, which has a couple of nice phrases but no actual numbers on those thoretical increases in efficiency (wonder how much they paid for that no-details letter), and a whole lot of gobbledegook about how the thing's supposed to work.

I can't believe you guys actually put this on Engadget without a big "NEWEST FRAUD" headline.

Let me guess - the next story is going to be about monometal impedance-tuned catalytic wiring for speakers, with vastly improved conductivity so your stereo saves money on electricity...

[nh @ Jan 6th 2008 1:14PM]

Can anyone explain why a device like this can't actually work? It is effectively just a fuel additive, many of which are already used to improve performance.

If it was made of lead it would do wonders for your engine (just not your health).

[bk @ Jan 6th 2008 1:25PM]

The CEE website looks like a possible front. It has some information on it, but doesn't make any hard claims as to what services they provide for "some of the most well known companies throughout the world."

Their word alone certainly proves nothing to the viability of these suppository looking devices that you drop in your tank, secure in your air-box and attach to your radiator hose.

"Mtech Fuel Saver uses a revolutionary world leading technique called Molecular Reaction Technology. It is totally different to all other fuel saving devices around the world. We use Nano Negative Ion technology which is researched and developed by ITRI (Industrial Technology
Research Institute, Taiwan Government). The Negative Ion releases a negative electric charge in the oxygen molecule and activates it. Institute tests have shown that our Fuel Saver can increase the inhalant amount of oxygen by 20%."

They provide no explanation in any of the downloadable or web literature as to how and why the 3 individual 'sensors' communicate with eachother, or what exactly the 'calibration' process of revving your engine to 50%-60% of maximum RPM load for 2-5 minutes based on engine age actually accomplishes.

Only thing missing is a magic wand. No wait, your pocket has *magically* lost $299... there you go.

[rento @ Jan 6th 2008 1:29PM]

Well I hope it's true or I ll wait for Orbo...

[TimB @ Jan 6th 2008 1:40PM]

Rather than try and cut the consumption of a Gas guzzler your better of saving $1,000 by not buying one in the first place.

But anything that at least makes you think about fuel consumption must be a good thing, right?

[Don @ Jan 6th 2008 3:05PM]

Funny thing is that I suspect it DECREASES your apparent MPG, since it will displace some of the space in the tank - making any car with a fuel estimator think that there is more gas available than there actually is, creating an inaccurate fuel-burn estimate.

[CubeGuy @ Jan 6th 2008 3:55PM]

I'll wait for the Mythbuster's verdict, thank you very much.

[Brett @ Jan 6th 2008 10:49PM]

You guys are way to pessimistic. I had one of these installed in my Honda and I've been on the same tank of gas now for 500+ miles. Closed minded people miss out on miracle products like this, magneto-copper bracelets (which have cured me of Carpal Tunnel as well as impotence), and stickers placed by your cell phone battery (my reception has doubled since installing). Don't knock it until you've tried it.

[Tony @ Jan 27th 2008 7:28AM]

There are similar products around (NOT magnets).

http://stores.ebay.com.au/MegaSavings2000/Other-FIR-Fuel-Savers.html

I will try a lower price one than spending $300 for a trial.