It is not necessary to have a hybrid to be energy efficient. There a vast selection of vehicles that utilize fuel efficient features to mazimize performance and efficiency without the price premium of hybrids. Such models as the Toyota Yaris combine economical engines with small bodies to maximize fuel economy. Other larger models use advanced features and 6 speed automatic transmissions to produce smoother performance with better fuel economy. In some cases, hybrid fuel economies are outmatched in fuel economy by non hybrid vehicles. You don't need a hybrid to achieve 36mpg, a highway figure met by the Toyota Yaris but not the Camry Hybrid which gets close with a figure of 34mpg. If you can sacrifice the comfort of a larger car, money can be saved. A Hybrid Sedan such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid comes in at around $25,200. For a Toyota Yaris, the price tag is around $12,000 for the base model. Thats an instant $13,200 saved but thats not considering the sacrifice of cabin space and the luxury of the up-level Camry. Either way, the inexpensive Yaris or the up-level Camry Hybrid will satisfy their buyer. This just goes to show that you don't have to be rich to go green.

If you don't want to buy a new car but are interested in the idea of energy efficiency there are ways to make your conventional car perform better. First off on the list is weight. Many people are aware that carrying a spare bowing ball or a 50lb guitar amplifier will reduce fuel economy, but any additional weight will make a difference. More weight means that the engine will need more force to push the car. By pulling wieght off you are relieving stress from the car. For example, you have an SUV with a removable third row but in your commute you never have 7 people. By removing those seats your gas milage will increase. 

Other things you can do to make the most of your engines performance can be several things. Keeping a sufficienct tire pressure in each tire, cleaning filters in the engine, and removing roof boxes with alot of drag will all help boost the efficiency of your car. Ultimately, you don't need a high tech hybrid or expensive alternative to have good efficiency on the road.