You’re kidding me

The gear selector “E” is gone. But the idea of an economy driving mode is more common than ever.

Other Forgotten Gear Selector Letters (A Quick History)
While we’re talking about “E,” let me mention a few other letters that have confused drivers over the years.

L (Low): Keeps the transmission in a low gear. Used for towing, steep hills, or engine braking. Still common on modern cars.

2 (Second): Locks the transmission in second gear. Useful for driving in snow or mud. Less common now (replaced by manual mode or “L”).

S (Sport): Changes shift points for more aggressive acceleration and engine braking. Still common on modern cars with automatic transmissions.

M (Manual): Allows the driver to manually select gears using paddle shifters or the gear selector. Very common on newer cars.

B (Brake / Engine Brake): Common on hybrids and EVs. Increases regenerative braking to recharge the battery and slow the car without using the brake pedal.

The “E” on Old Electric Cars (A Different Meaning)
Here’s a twist. On some very early electric cars (early 1900s), “E” stood for “Electric.”

But that’s a different “E” from a different era. If you’re driving a 1980s gasoline car, the “E” means Economy—not Electric.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does “E” stand for “Eco” or “Economy”?
Both. “Eco” is short for economy. The meaning is the same: a mode designed to save fuel.

Is “E” the same as overdrive?
Sort of. “E” often engaged overdrive earlier than standard “D.” But “E” could also adjust shift points even when overdrive wasn’t engaged.

Can using “E” damage my engine?
No. It just changes how the transmission shifts. The engine isn’t harmed. However, driving in “E” on steep hills might cause the transmission to “hunt” (shift back and forth), which isn’t ideal.

Why doesn’t my modern car have “E”?