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Patric,
you have some things confused. The efficiency curve of every engine tells the story. Less is not necessarily more. Where the most efficient burning to mechanical losses takes place governs the engine part of it. Many times you can read this on the torque curve. That climbs quickly at a particular RPM and drops after that. Aerodynamics come into play starting at 30 MPH.

The myth of oil shortages is only spread to prevent a revolution. The oil companies ARE raising the prices because they can - for no other reason. Government does not stop them for lobby as well as for the tax dollars generated (based on cost, not volume of oil sold). There is no way that you or I can find out what capacities are even possible. If there was a true shortage, we would have to ration it. I am always amazed by people that believe what they are told by politicians and the press. When we realize that EVERY person or company has an agenda and look carefully as to what that could be, we see strings that are pretty ugly! Even if George Bush was able to tap the oil reserves in Alaska, the price would not go down, they would claim that the costs of building and maintaining the rigs would prohibit that. The oil companies are still earning record amounts - even with their creative bookkeeping.

I am not sure that hybrids are the answer. Why? Check the energy balance. You need to manufacture the batteries, recycle them when they are weak and add the cost of replacement when they are worn out. When you recharge with the wall outlet, the efficiency of the power generation also comes into play. Hybrids just move the costs from oil to other methods of producing energy, some of which are as detrimental to mankind as burning fossil fuels.

The most important savings are accomplished by organizing yourself and not driving any more than absolutely necessary. You will not be allowed to realize a net savings unless you start to SACRIFICE.

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.