For generations, drivers have been familiar with the standard layout of gear sticks. Manual cars typically use numbered gears along with an “R” for reverse, while automatic vehicles rely on “P,” “R,” “N,” and “D”—Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive. Some models also include additional options like “L” for low gear. This consistency has defined the driving experience for decades.
But occasionally, drivers notice something unusual: the letter “E.” For many, especially those who haven’t seen it before, it can be confusing.
In older vehicles, “E” usually stood for “Economy.” This setting acted similarly to a higher gear, designed to improve fuel efficiency. By keeping engine revolutions lower and adjusting performance, it helped reduce fuel consumption—particularly during steady driving, like cruising on the highway.
