Racing to Meet Fuel Standards

In the 1970s fuel economy standards were first imposed on U.S. automakers aiming to make cars more efficient and less dependent on oil. More recent, in 2007 during the Bush administration, gas mileage requirements were raised for the auto industry. Two years later, the Obama administration raised these requirements again to an average of 35.5 mpg by 2016. In 2025, automakers are required to manufacture vehicles running 54.5 miles per gallon. With this government mandated improvement drivers, the auto industry, and our environment would all benefit.

New technology and innovations have allowed manufacturers to boost mileage. The average fuel economy of cars has risen from 20.1 mpg to 23.6 mpg since 2007. This increase does not sound significant, although even a 5 mpg difference would save an average 15,000 mile per year driver about $525 assuming that gas was $3.50 a gallon.  In addition, the administration says that families will save about $7,400 over the life of a vehicle. Although these efficient cars will force buyers to pay more as the price of vehicles has increased. According to TrueCar, the average price paid for a new car has risen from about $27,300 in January 2010 to about $30,400 today.

“The new standards will likely require auto companies to develop more hybrids, plug-ins and natural gas vehicles, while using more lightweight materials and improving traditional gasoline engines.” According to the staff at Forbes. Some of the technology isn’t necessarily a new technology, but it will just be more commonly utilized.

Karl Brauer from Total Car Score has listed today’s top 10 gas-saving innovations to consider with examples of 2013 models offering these technologies.

1. Start-Stop Engines

The Kia Rio features start-stop engine technology, which shuts down the engine at a stop. This technology was once reserved for hybrids and more expensive cars.

2. Variable Valve Control

The Mazda CX-5 uses variable valve timing to improve efficiency and maximize performance.

3. Continuously Variable Transmission

Cars like the new Infiniti JX 35 have a transmission with no traditional gears that keeps the engine at its most fuel-efficient RPM across a wide range of speeds.

4. Active Aerodynamics

The new Dodge Dart is among the vehicles that use adjustable flaps in the grille to control the air flow around the vehicle, depending on speed and driving conditions.

5. Lightweight Materials

The redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe, like a lot of new vehicles, uses materials like high-strength steel, carbon fiber and aluminum to reduce weight, making it more fuel efficient.

6. More Transmission Gears

The new Mercedes-Benz S-class features the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission, which maximizes efficiency at any speed. 

7. Direct Injection

The new Lincoln MKZ uses direct injection which delivers fuel into the combustion chamber in extremely precise amounts to maximize efficiency and reduce emissions.

8. Cylinder Deactivation

The Honda Odyssey is among the vehicles that shuts down one or more engine cylinders when the vehicle is coasting, or cruising under a light load, to burn less fuel.

9. Plug-In Hybrid Technology

The king of hybrids, the Toyota Prius, is now available as a plug-in model, allowing it to go farther and faster on electricity alone. The new Ford Fusion and Honda Accord will also have plug-in hybrid versions available.

10. Mild Hybrids

The new Chevrolet Malibu debuted as a mild hybrid, using a technology GM calls e-Assist. Its small motor and battery pack provide added efficiency at a lower cost than traditional hybrids.

("10 Ways Automakers Are Helping You Spend Less On Gasoline - Forbes.")

The goal of fuel efficiency standards is to slash greenhouse gas emission and fuel consumption. This is the biggest step that the government has taken according to the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and the “single most important step” according to President Obama.

Works Cited

"10 Ways Automakers Are Helping You Spend Less On Gasoline - Forbes." Information for the World's Business Leaders - Forbes.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2013. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2012/08/30/10-ways-automakers-are-helping-you-spend-less-on-gasoline/>.

"Fuel Efficiency Standards: Obama Administration Finalizes New Regulations For Cars And Trucks." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2013. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/28/new-mileage-standards-obama_n_1836546.html>.

"Tough Government Gas Mileage Rules Good for Drivers, Auto Industry - Rick Newman (usnews.com)." US News & World Report | News & Rankings | Best Colleges, Best Hospitals, and more. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2013. <http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/rick-newman/2012/08/27/tough-government-gas-mileage-rules-good-for-drivers-auto-industry>.