Leno on cars' complicated relationship with fuel

Gasoline.

It's pretty much the perfect fuel — at least in terms of optimizing an automobile's performance. Gasoline does exactly what drivers need it to: it revs the motor, it lasts through harsh conditions and it's relatively cheap.

This, of course, doesn't take environmental, social and political aspects into account.

Now, electric cars are entering the conversation as more than just big ideas. In many ways the future is now. Or are we just revisiting the past? Many people don't realize that in the late 1800s, Ferdinand Porsche was busy designing his first car, which was electric.

Here, Jay Leno explains the complicated relationship between electric and gasoline.

Each week, Jay Leno shares his thoughts about hot topics in the auto industry. Tune in to "Jay Leno's Garage" Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CNBC.