In today’s world of modern vehicles, acronyms exist everywhere, from ABS (anti-lock braking system) to EV (electric vehicle). Whether you’re on the hunt for a new ride or just curious about the one you have, understanding what acronyms mean can help you make smarter decisions about your car. The abbreviation EFI in particular has become very common as technology evolves under the hood.
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EFI stands for electronic fuel injection. EFI uses a computer-controlled system to deliver fuel to the engine with greater precision, and fuel injection has replaced the carburetor in modern cars. EFI works by improving how air and fuel are mixed and sent to the combustion chambers, which results in a more consistent performance. This system relies on sensors to read conditions like engine temperature, throttle position, and air intake volume, then sends that information to an electronic control unit (ECU), which calculates and delivers the exact amount of fuel needed at any given moment.
EFI improves drivability and throttle response, while also making tuning easier, especially with modern aftermarket kits that adapt to different engine setups. The result is a system that’s more efficient, reliable, and responsive — an upgrade that has transformed both daily drivers and performance builds alike.
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EFI technology dates back to the 1950s and 1960s
Initially used in World War II aircraft, fuel injection systems were first developed for cars by Mercedes-Benz in 1955. The 300 SL sports car saw enhanced performance and efficiency thanks to the new system, which injected fuel directly into each cylinder. But while General Motors’ Ramjet made progress with mechanical fuel injection and Bendix Aviation’s Electrojector went even further with electronic fuel injection in the years that followed, the new technology didn’t truly advance till later.
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Using the patents purchased from Bendix, German engineering and tech company Bosch introduced their version of EFI in the 1967 Volkswagen 1600 Type 3, a classic Volkswagen that will look good in any garage. Bosch’s improved system was so successful that it was in turn purchased by fellow automakers, resulting in cars with more efficient engines versus those with traditional carburetors.
EFI is now the norm for nearly every automobile in the world. The EFI term itself even covers several different types of fuel injection, including gasoline direct injection, a technology that was originally used primarily in diesel motors.
