Green Car Congress: Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency

[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]

Audi’s A4 2.0 TDIe: 4.6L/100km (51 mpg US) and 120 g CO2/km; Stop/Start and Energy Recuperation

July 10, 2009

The A4 2.0 TDIe. Click to enlarge.

Audi has introduced its fuel-consumption optimized version of the A4 mid-size sedan, the A4 2.0L TDIe, in Europe. Noted by Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management in his talk at the 120^th Annual General Meeting of Audi AG in May, the A4 TDIe consumes an average 4.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (51.13 miles per gallon US gallon) and consequently emits 120 g CO₂/km.

The A4 Saloon TDIe adopts the 100 kW (134 hp) 2.0-liter TDI engine first seen in A6 TDIe. (Earlier post.) The turbocharged diesel features high pressure common rail injection and incorporates stop/start and energy recuperation systems. Further fuel savings come from grille and under-body modifications to enhance aerodynamics.

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UPS Adopts Plan to Cut Its Airline Carbon Emissions An Additional 20% by 2020; Biofuels Part of the Plan

July 08, 2009

UPS Airlines CO₂ emissions per Available Ton Mile, historical and targeted. Click to enlarge.

UPS has adopted a plan to cut the carbon emissions of its airline by an additional 20% by 2020 to 1.24 CO₂ lbs/ATM (Available Ton Mile), for a cumulative reduction of 42% since 1990. UPS intends to achieve its 2020 airline goals by:

Investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft types and engines;
Fuel-saving operational initiatives, such as lower flight speeds; reduced flight segments, where viable; computer-optimized flight plans; computer-managed aircraft taxi times; and jet engine washing; and
The introduction of biofuels, which UPS says it believes will be available before 2020.

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Nissan Launches Intelligent Driver Project in UK; First Such Outside of Japan

June 26, 2009

Nissan has launched the Nissan Intelligent Driver Project (NIDP): an eight-month study of drivers in the United Kingdom (UK) beginning this month that uses satellite navigation systems, mobile phone technology and advanced vehicle telematics to analyse driving habits and suggest ways of improving fuel economy. Reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ are the two main targets behind the project.

In a similar trial in Japan, drivers reduced fuel usage by an average of 18%, with comparable reductions in CO₂ emissions. It led to savings at the pump of an estimated €350 (US$492) per year. If similar improvements can be realized in Europe, the results would make a significant contribution to the development of these features in next-generation Information Technology (IT) & Telematics systems.

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California Adopts Cooler Cars Regulation

Infrared reflective glass is the more efficient—and costly—technology for reducing vehicle cabin temperature. Click to enlarge.

The California Air Resources Board adopted a regulation that will require new cars sold in California starting in 2012 to have windows that reflect or absorb heat-producing rays from the sun. This will help keep cars cooler, increase their fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Cooler cars mean less air conditioning thereby increasing fuel efficiency and preventing about 700,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere in 2020—roughly the equivalent of taking 140,000 cars off the road for a year.

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BMW Technology Day 2009: Focus on Aerodynamics, Two New Engines and 8-Speed Transmission

June 25, 2009

The new 3.0-liter gaosline engine combines turbocharging, direct fuel injection and VALVETRONIC for the first time. Click to enlarge.

For its Technology Day 2009 in Germany, BMW focused on describing its work with aerodyanmics, engines and transmissions in the context of its EfficientDyanmics development strategy.

The company presented the capabilities of its Aerodynamic Test Center and Aerolab; a new 3.0-liter gasoline unit combining turbocharging, direct fuel injection and VALVETRONIC fully-variable valve management; a new 3.0-liter twin turbo diesel with 2,000-bar injection pressure; and an 8-speed automatic transmission that can also be used in a hybrid application.

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First Three Conditional Loan Commitments Under DOE’s ATVM Program go to Ford Motor Company, Nissan Motors and Tesla Motors

June 23, 2009

The Obama Administration is awarding $8 billion in three conditional loan commitments for the development of innovative, advanced vehicle technologies: $5.9 billion for Ford Motor Company; $1.6 billion to Nissan North America, Inc.; and $465 million to Tesla Motors.

These are the first conditional loan commitments reached as part of the Department of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program. The Department plans to make additional loans under this program over the next several months to large and small auto manufacturers and parts suppliers up and down the production chain.

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University of Michigan Report Finds Focus on Fuel Economy Would Be Very Profitable for Detroit 3; Says Rapid, Wide-Reaching Change in Business Models Required for Turnaround

According to the study, higher fuel economy standards would benefit the Detroit 3 automakers the most. Source: McManus and Kleinbaum. Click to enlarge.

A new report released by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) analyzes critical choices faced by automakers and finds that broad, deep, fast change is necessary for success in the context of the worst financial crisis in the history of the domestic automobile industry.

According to the report, “Fixing Detroit: How Far, How Fast, How Fuel Efficient?” successful turnarounds hinge on rapid cultural transformation, which requires replacement of management teams. Further, the report finds that the existing culture within the domestic auto companies systematically underestimates the value of fuel economy, which has crippled profitability.

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Integral Powertrain Developing New Variable Ratio Drive B-ISG System for Stop-Start Applications

June 18, 2009

A variable ratio pulley allows improvements in cost and functionality. Click to enlarge.

UK-based engineering consultancy Integral Powertrain has developed a new generation of belt-integrated starter generator (B-ISG systems) for stop-start applications using a new multi-mode, variable ratio drive pulley. The company anticipates that the total CO₂ reduction achieved by the system will be greater than that possible with current B-ISG systems.

The core of the new system is the Variable Ratio Pulley, which packages a two-ratio epicyclic gearbox into the belt drive pulley hub. To start the engine, the high ratio (3.1:1 in the development system) is engaged to substantially reduce the torque requirement, allowing a medium-sized diesel engine to be cranked without the need for a high belt tension and the associated friction and wear.

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Argonne Study Examines Impact of Real World Drive Cycles on Efficiency and Cost of Different PHEV Configurations

June 11, 2009

Results from a study by Argonne National Laboratory on the impact of real world drive cycles on the fuel efficiency and cost of different plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) configurations suggest that while different PHEV configurations all demonstrate great potential for displacing petroleum use (with fuel displacement increasing linearly with available electrical energy), the relative benefits of adding more battery capacity seem to decrease with increasing pack size.

Aymeric Rousseau, program manager at Argonne, presented a small slice of this wide study at the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference 2009 (AABC) this week in Long Beach.

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DOE to Fund Up to $240M for Class 8 Supertruck and Advanced Technology Light-Duty Powertrains

June 10, 2009

The US Department of Energy will provide up to $240 million in funding for research projects in two specific areas of interest: (1) developing systems for and demonstrating a 50% total increase in vehicle freight efficiency measured in ton-miles per gallon in Class 8 trucks (Supertruck); and (2) accelerating the development of cost-competitive engine and powertrain systems for light-duty vehicles capable of attaining at least a 25% fuel economy improvement for gasoline-fueled vehicles and at least 40% fuel economy improvement for diesel-fueled vehicles while meeting future emissions standards (ATP-LD). Measured fuel economy improvements cannot factor in a hybrid system.

Projects under this funding opportunity (DE-FOA-0000079) will be financed, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Applications are due by 9 September 2009.

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UK LowCVP Launches ‘Technology Challenge’ to Accelerate Low Carbon Vehicle Innovation; Libralato Engines First Registrant

June 08, 2009

The first registrant in the Challenge is Libralato Engines, developer of a novel rotary engine (cutaway shown) promising a 5.5% gain in combustion efficiency and 50% reduction in NO_x emissions. Click to enlarge.

The UK Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership is launching a Technology Challenge to provide a platform for promising innovations to be showcased to senior managers and directors of the component and vehicle manufacturers. The LowCVP is calling on UK innovators to submit creative concepts with the potential to cut emissions from road vehicles without the need for radical new infrastructure. The target of the Challenge is mainstream passenger cars producing less than 80 g CO₂/km.

The LowCVP Technology Challenge is supported by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and with an associated media partner, Cleantech Investor.

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Oil Drum Licenses On-Board Hydrogen Generator for Baltic States

June 03, 2009

University of Kent (UK) spin-off Oil Drum Ltd, has signed a licensing deal with UAB Hydro2 that will enable its on-board hydrogen generator technology to be manufactured, sold and installed in the Baltic States. The deal will allow UAB Hydro2 to manufacture, sell and install the Save-Fuel On Demand Hydrogen Technology for the truck, bus and coach industries in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

The retrofit device reduces fuel consumption by adding hydrogen, produced by electrolysis, into the engine via the air intake of the vehicle before the combustion process. As a result the engine burns fuel more efficiently and produces less particulate emissions and reduces the vehicle’s environmental impact.

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Waggling Air Flow Sideways Over Wings Could Cut Aircraft Fuel Consumption And Emissions by 20%

May 25, 2009

Aircraft wings which redirect air to waggle sideways over their surfaces could significantly reduce drag and thus cut fuel consumption and emissions by 20%, according to researchers at the University of Warwick (UK). The new approach, which promises to dramatically reduce mid-flight drag, exploits Helmholtz resonance—the same phenomenon that happens when blowing over a bottle—to produce micro-scale jet flows in response to turbulent noise.

The main contributor to aerodynamic drag, and thus fuel consumption and emissions, is fine-scale turbulence that exists very near to the aircraft’s surface during cruise. The Turbulence Flow Control group at the University of Warwick has been studying non-powered (passive) flow control actuators as a means of reducing drag for some time, with the goal of developing flow-control technologies capable of major drag reductions on passenger jet aircraft.

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Controlled Power Introduces 12V Belt-Driven Integrated Starter Generator for Cars with Diesels

May 20, 2009

Left: The SpeedStart B-ISG. Right: Installation in Volvo demonstrator with INA damper. Source: CPT. Click to enlarge.

Controlled Power Technologies has developed the first belt-driven Integrated Starter Generator (B-ISG) to use a conventional 12-volt vehicle electrical system with the high power output necessary to provide excellent stop-start functionality on the majority of European cars equipped with diesel as well as gasoline engines.

The CPT SpeedStart B-ISG system can deliver up to a 5% reduction in CO₂ emissions over the New European Drive Cycle when integrated into a modern powertrain, with the potential for even greater savings in real world urban driving situations.

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Obama Announces New National Fuel Policy; Two Harmonized Standards, with Fleet Average of 35.5 mpg, 250 gCO2/mile by 2016

May 19, 2009

US President Barack Obama today announced a new harmonized national policy intended to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for all new cars and trucks sold in the US. The resulting new standards will cover model years 2012-2016, and will require an average fuel economy standard of 35.5 mpg in 2016 (39 mpg for cars, 30 mpg for trucks), or approximately 250 grams CO₂/mile. The CAFE program established by the EISA 2007 legislation specified a minimum 35 mpg in 2020.

However, there will not be an exact one-to-one correspondence between the two standards—GHG and fuel economy—which will be the foundation of the national program.

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GM Quantifies CO2 and Fuel Consumption Reductions Via E-REVs And PHEVs, As Compared To “Conventional” Hybrids

May 16, 2009

by Jack Rosebro

Energy sources, paths, storage media, and propulsion systems available or in development. “FCEV” refers to all fuel cell vehicles, including E-REVs and fuel cell hybrids. Adapted from Tate et al. (2009). Click to enlarge.

General Motors has released a white paper that evaluates the CO₂ reduction potential of extended-range electric vehicles (E-REVs) as well as plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), in combination with multiple vehicle charging scenarios, as compared to conventional hybrids. The paper was presented by authors Ed Tate and Peter Savagian at last month’s SAE 2009 World Congress in Detroit.

In the paper, the GM team broke down CO₂ and fuel consumption reduction potentials into several categories:

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Volkswagen Emphasizes Downsizing at 30th Vienna Engine Symposium; Highlights 1.2 TSI and 1.6 TDI

May 14, 2009

The new 1.6-liter TDI. Click to enlarge.

Continuing to emphasize a downsizing approach, Volkswagen presented two new engines at the at the 30^th Vienna Engine Symposium (7-8 May): the 1.2-liter TSI gasoline engine and the 1.6-liter TDI diesel. Both engines will be available to order for the new Polo and the Golf this year. (Earlier post.)

Due to its modular structure, the 1.6-liter TDI engine will serve as a basis for all future four-cylinder diesel engines of Volkswagen.

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Sentience Project Intelligent Automotive Air Conditioning Control System Delivers Fuel Savings in Excess of 9% in Urban Cycle

May 11, 2009

The Sentience project vehicle. Click to enlarge.

Testing of an intelligent air conditioning control system integrated with a hybrid powertrain as part of the UK’s Sentience project (earlier post)—showed that, under conditions representative of UK summer weather, the new system consistently delivers fuel savings in excess of 9% over the urban portion of the NEDC drive cycle.

Sentience is a research collaboration led by Ricardo, and also involves Jaguar-Land Rover, TRL (Transport Research Laboratory), Ordnance Survey and Orange Business Services, with part-funding provided by innovITS, the UK center of excellence for intelligent transport systems and sustainable mobility.

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Audi Adds Start-Stop System, On-Board Computer with Efficiency Program; Targeting 20% Drop in Fuel Consumption by 2012

May 07, 2009

Audi start-stop system display. Click to enlarge.

Beginning in the second quarter of 2009, Audi will add a start-stop system and an on-board computer with an efficiency program to what it calls its modular efficiency platform. These new technologies complement the energy recovery system, already standard on many Audi models, which feeds energy back into the vehicle’s electrical system during deceleration phases.

The modular efficiency platform focuses on the further development of powertrain and transmission technologies, and the recovery and storage of mechanical, thermal and electrical energy. Audi also employs a number of measures to minimize driving resistance and optimize aerodynamics. By 2012 Audi plans to lower the fuel consumption of its model range by 20% compared with the 2007 level.

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Ford Investing $550M to Retool SUV Plant to Produce Focus Small Car and EV

May 06, 2009

Ford Motor Company is investing $550 million to transform its Michigan Assembly Plant into a flexible manufacturing complex that will build Ford’s next-generation Focus global small car along with a new battery-electric version of the Focus for the North American market. (Earlier post.) The 2.866 million square-foot plant was built in 1957.

The plant, formerly the Michigan Truck Plant and the production site for Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigators SUVs, is one of three North American light truck plants Ford is retooling to build fuel-efficient global small cars in the coming years. The new Focus will begin rolling off the line next year and the battery-electric version of the Focus—Ford’s first all-electric passenger car—debuts in 2011.

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Transonic Combustion Completes New Round of Venture Funding

Start-up Transonic Combustion, Inc., has raised a C-round of equity funding. Existing investors Venrock, Khosla Ventures, Rustic Canyon Partners and Saints Capital all increased their support of Transonic in the round.

Transonic Combustion is developing an advanced lean combustion process and associated gasoline fuel injection system which it projects will enable practical 100 mpg cars. The patented combustion process remains stable well above a 200:1 air/fuel ratio and can support vehicle cruise power at a 100:1 air/fuel ratio.

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Controlled Power Technologies and AVL Collaborate on Advanced Direct Injection Gasoline Engine Demonstrator

May 05, 2009

CPT electric VTES installed in AVL demonstrator. Click to enlarge.

Controlled Power Technologies (CPT) and AVL List GmbH (AVL) have developed a gasoline engine that retains all the traditional cost, weight, NVH refinement and emission benefits as well as the fun-to-drive factor, while reducing CO₂ levels to that of an equivalent diesel powertrain.

The AVL demonstrator vehicle incorporates an advanced 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with gasoline direct injection (GDI), double cam phasing and single-scroll, waste-gated turbocharger to deliver high power and torque outputs of 200 PS (197 hp, 147 kW) and 400 N·m (295 lb-ft) respectively.

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BMW Study on Rankine Cycle for Waste Heat Recovery Shows Potential Additional 10% Power Output at Highway Speeds

May 03, 2009

Energy utilization vs. complexity of different heat recovery systems. In this study, BMW focused on Rankine A (exhaust gas only) and Rankine B (exhaust gas and coolant). Adapted from Ringler et al. (2009) Click to enlarge.

BMW is exploring two pathways for waste heat recovery in vehicles: one thermoelectric, the other thermodynamic. In 2005, BMW Group Research and Engineering announced it was developing a steam-powered auxiliary drive—the Turbosteamer—to use the waste heat present in the exhaust gases and cooling system from a conventional gasoline engine as its source of power. The long-term development goal articulated at the time was to have a system capable of volume production within ten years.(Earlier post.)

At the recent SAE 2009 World Congress, BMW presented an analysis of two basic configurations of the Rankine cycle applied to a thermodynamic heat recovery system for a four-cylinder combustion engine. Based on bench test measurements, BMW has concluded that waste heat recovery can provide an additional power output of about 10% at typical highway cruising speeds.

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The Long View from SAE 2009 World Congress

April 29, 2009

by Bill Cooke

On 20 April, the opening day of the SAE 2009 World Congress, the AVL Technology Leadership Theater presented a forum on “Green Mobility—The Long View”. Organized by Shane Chang at Honda Research Institute USA Inc., the session counted among its panelists:

Professor John Heywood, Sun Jae Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Sloan Auto Laboratory at MIT. Dr. Heywood recently co-authored a study called “On The Road in 2035—Reducing Petroleum Consumption and GHG Emissions.”

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Ford E85 Direct Injection Boosting Study: A Less Expensive Alternative to Diesel

April 26, 2009

Using a separate E85 direct injection boosting system combined with gasoline port fuel injection (PFI) makes the engine more efficient in its use of gasoline, and can be viewed as a more cost-effective alternative to a modern diesel, according to a Ford study presented by Robert Stein, currently of AVL, formerly of Ford, at the SAE 2009 World Congress.

Proposed by John Heywood and colleagues at MIT in 2005, the basic premise of E85 boosting is that ethanol (or other lower alcohols) suppresses knock due to the large evaporative cooling effect it has on the air-fuel mixture when injected directly into the cylinder, supplemented by ethanol’s inherent high octane number. Using the E85 boosting concept requires two fuel tanks and vehicle owner acceptance of dual fueling.

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New 2.0L Diesel Opel Insignia ecoFLEX: 136 g CO2/km

April 20, 2009

The Opel Insignia EcoFLEX. Click to enlarge.

The new ecoFLEX version of the Opel Insignia features a 2.0-liter turbo diesel with an output of 118 kW (160 hp) and a maximum 380 N·m (280 lb-ft) of torque with overboost, with emissions of 136 g CO₂/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.2 L/100km (45 mpg US) on the MVEG/NEDC cycle.

The Insignia ecoFLEX accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 221 km/h (137 mph). The maximum torque of 350 N·m is available from 1,750 rpm, and can be temporarily increased for 15 seconds to 380 N·m via an ‘overboost’ function.

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Grand Prize Combustion-Engine Winner at 2009 Shell Eco-Marathon Americas Achieves 2,757.1 MPG

April 19, 2009

Some of the vehicles in the 2009 Shell Eco-Marathon Americas. Click to enlarge.

The student team from Laval University (Quebec, Canada) took the grand prize in the “Prototype” category at the 2009 Shell Eco-Marathon Americas, held 15-18 April at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA, with 2,757.1 miles per gallon (0.085 L/100km). The team from Mater Dei High School (Evansville, Ind.) took the grand prize in the new “UrbanConcept” by achieving 433.3 mpg (0.543 L/100km).

More than 500 students in 44 participating teams participated in the event, a challenge for students to design, build and test fuel-efficient vehicles that travel the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel. The 44 teams were from six high schools and 29 universities from North and South America, including Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the United States. Additionally, a guest team from India joined the roster with a Prototype vehicle.

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Toyota Brings New Gasoline and Diesel Engines With Optimal Drive Technology to the Auris

April 17, 2009

Toyota Auris. Click to enlarge.

Following on its introduction late last year of the Toyota Optimal Drive 1.33-liter Dual VVT-i engine with Stop & Start (earlier post), the Toyota Auris is now gaining the new 1.6-liter Valvematic gasoline engine and revised versions of the 1.4 and 2.0 D-4D and 2.2 D-CAT 180 diesel units.

Toyota launched the Auris—a strategic compact passenger vehicle for both Japan and Europe—in Japan in 2006 and Europe in 2007. (Earlier post.) Since its debut, it has become one of Toyota’s top models. Cumulative sales in Europe reached 318,236 units by the end of 2008.

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IIHS Says Its Crash Test Study Suggests Small Cars Can’t Protect People in Front-to-Front Crashes as Well as Bigger, Heavier Models

April 14, 2009

Three 40 mph car-to-car front-to-front crash tests, each involving a microcar or minicar into a midsize model from the same manufacturer, indicate that extra vehicle size and weight enhance occupant protection in such collisions, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which ran the testing. A summary of the study is published in the 14 April IIHS Status Report.

The choice of midsize cars reveals how much influence some extra size and weight can have on crash outcomes, the Institute said. The Institute chose pairs of 2009 models from Daimler, Honda, and Toyota because these automakers have micro and mini models that earn good frontal crashworthiness ratings, based on the Institute’s offset test into a deformable barrier.

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European Investment Bank Approves €866M in Loans for Cleaner Cars; Majority to Nissan and Jaguar

April 12, 2009

The European Investment Bank Board of Directors last week approved loans worth a total of €866 million (US$1.14 billion) to European-based car makers to help design and build cleaner cars with lower CO₂ emissions. The loans include €400 million to Nissan’s European operations to develop and build more fuel-efficient vehicles in the United Kingdom and Spain, and €366 million to Jaguar Land Rover to help cut vehicle emissions.

Autocar reported that Jaguar will use the EIB funding to build an extended range electric vehicle based on the next-generation XJ. In May 2008, Jaguar Land Rover received funding from the UK government in support of the development of a number of clean vehicle projects through partnerships with suppliers, government agencies, and universities. These included the extended range electric vehicle; a flywheel hybrid system for premium vehicles; “Limo-Green” and other lightweighting and lower-emitting powertrain projects. (Earlier post.)

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111 Teams Officially Registered for Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE

April 08, 2009

Distribution of entries by fuel sources. Click to enlarge.

The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles, announced its official list of 111 Registered Teams. Having passed this first judging hurdle, these teams now move one step closer to competing for their share of the $10-million prize purse that will be awarded to teams that win a rigorous long distance stage competition and can exceed 100 mpg US equivalent fuel economy (MPGe).

The teams, which collectively represent 136 vehicle entries with 14 different fuel sources, include diverse groups from 25 US states and 11 countries. Established automakers, emerging start-ups, universities and inventors are among those represented. Six of the Registered Teams remain confidential.

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All Western European Countries Will Have CO2-Related Car Taxation This Year; European Auto Industry Urges Harmonization of Schemes

April 07, 2009

The number of EU countries with CO2-related car taxation rose to 15 in 2008. With Germany set to introduce CO₂-related taxation in July of 2009, all Western European countries levy passenger car taxes that are partially or totally based on the car’s carbon dioxide emissions and/or fuel consumption, completing a trend that peaked in 2007 and 2008, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’s Association’s (ACEA) Tax Guide 2008 published this week.

Romania was the first and so far only Eastern European Member State to introduce CO₂-related taxation last year as part of a more comprehensive overhaul of vehicle taxation in the country. In most Central and Eastern European countries, the main concern of policy makers remains to reduce the level of old vehicles on the streets with pollutant emission standards of below Euro 3.

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GM Opel Cuts CO2 from 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX Zafira Van 9% to Below 140 g/km

April 06, 2009

The 1.7 CDTI Zafira. Click to enlarge.

Opel has improved the efficiency of its 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX Zafira seven-seat van, reducing the CO₂ emissions by nearly 9% to 139 g/km, with fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100km (44.4 mpg US).

The 1.7-liter diesel with 81 kW (110 hp) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque available from 2,000 to 2,300 rpm is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter and a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The ecoFLEX Zafira reaches a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) and accelerates to 100 km/h in 13.5 sec.

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McKinsey Report Finds 47% Reduction in Global Automotive Emissions Feasible by 2030; Timely Action By All Stakeholders Required

Global passenger vehicle CO₂ emissions and abatement potential under three primary scenarios. Source: McKinsey. Click to enlarge.

A new study by management consultants McKinsey & Company estimates that an integrated approach to carbon abatement in the automotive sector, much of it using proven technologies, could reduce global passenger vehicle greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 by 47% (2.2 gigatons) relative to a ‘do nothing’ scenario, even in the context of ongoing growth in the global vehicle parc.

Without action, carbon emissions from the use of passenger vehicles are projected to increase by 54% (1.8 gigatons) between 2006 and 2030, fueled by a growing number of cars on the road (from 730 million to 1.3 billion).

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Energy Learning Curve Survey Finds Americans Support Wide Array of Proposed Energy Policies, But Are Not Yet Ready to Make Tradeoffs

April 05, 2009

At least 10 major energy proposals that would provide incentives for energy efficiency, reduce gasoline usage and support alternative energy have the support of more than two-thirds of Americans, according to a new survey, “The Energy Learning Curve” released by Public Agenda, an opinion research and citizen engagement organization.

However, the survey also found that the public may not yet be prepared for the tradeoffs and challenges needed to make these proposals a reality, with majorities rejecting measures such as a floor on gasoline prices, congestion charges, or higher fuel taxes.

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NHTSA Sets MY 2011 CAFE Standards; Estimates Industry-Wide 27.3 mpg

March 27, 2009

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has set the model year 2011 CAFE standards, which it estimates will raise the industry-wide combined light-duty vehicle fuel economy average to 27.3 mpg, save 887 million gallons of fuel over the lifetime of the MY 2011 cars and light trucks, and reduce CO₂ emissions by 8.3 million metric tons during that period.

In one of his first official acts in office in January, President Obama requested a final order for federal fuel economy standards for only model year 2011, with further consideration and analysis to occur prior to issuing rules for subsequent model years. The MY 2011 standards issued by NHTSA in response to that request rely heavily on the analysis and proposals in a final draft rule prepared, but not released, last fall. (Earlier post.)

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New Engines for the New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé: More Power, Less CO2

March 25, 2009

The newly developed and modified four-cylinder powerplants have a higher output, despite the reduction in displacement. Click to enlarge.

Mercedes-Benz is offering five newly developed and modified engines—four of them with direct injection—for the new E-Class Coupé, offering more power with lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions than their predecessors. Included in the lineup are four-, six- and eight-cylinder diesel and gasoline powerplants with outputs ranging from 150 kW/204 hp to 285 kW/ 388 hp. All of the engines for the new E-Class Coupé are EU5-compliant.

New four-cylinder diesel. A new 2.1-liter, four-cylinder diesel features latest-generation common-rail direct injection, fast piezo injectors, enhanced exhaust gas recirculation, and new twin turbochargers to ensure spontaneous power delivery and excellent performance characteristics. The E 250 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY Coupé, with an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and a torque of 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) is around 36% more powerful and produces 47% more torque than the previous four-cylinder engine in the outgoing model. It consumes around 17% less fuel: 5.1 L/100km (46 mpg US) (provisional NEDC combined figure), equivalent to 135 g CO₂/km.

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CMU Paper: Market-Based Mechanisms for CO2 Reduction Will Be Insufficient to Attain Mid-Century Goals

March 24, 2009

A new paper from the Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center concludes that while a market-based mechanism (e.g. cap and trade or a carbon tax) is a likely key part of a US strategy to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, such a market-based approach alone will not induce the investments in long-lived technology required to achieve a 50 to 80% reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide by mid-century.

Although market-based mechanisms need to be implemented soon to establish a framework for emissions reductions, the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) team argues, the range of prices for CO₂ currently under discussion will be too low to enable achieving the longer-term targets. In the paper “Cap and Trade is Not Enough: Improving US Climate Policy”, the authors argue that the US Congress should simultaneously design, integrate and implement these targeted strategies:

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Toyota Applying Optimal Drive Technology in New Urban Cruiser

The Urban Cruiser. Click to enlarge.

Toyota is applying its gasoline and diesel “Optimal Drive” technology in the new B-segment hatchback crossover Urban Cruiser, unveiled as a design preview at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show (earlier post) and in a production version at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008 (earlier post). The Urban Cruiser begins arriving in UK showrooms in May.

The gasoline option is a 1.33 Dual VVT-i 2WD model with Stop & Start that emits 129 g/km of CO₂. The diesel option is a 1.4 D-4D AWD model; with CO₂ emissions of 130 g/km, it offers the lowest CO₂ emissions of any four-wheel drive car using an internal combustion engine, according to Toyota.

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Tata Motors Launches the Nano in India, Details Booking Process

March 23, 2009

The Tata Nano. Click to enlarge.

Tata Motors held the commercial launch of the low-priced Tata Nano—the much-anticipated Rs 1-Lakh (about US$2,000) “People’s Car”. (Earlier post.) The Tata Nano is BS-III compliant and comes with an all-new 2-cylinder aluminium MPFI 624 cc petrol engine mated to a four-speed gear box and will be available in three variants. The cars will be on display across India at Tata Motors Passenger Car dealerships and other select authorized outlets from 1 April.

The Nano is also available in BS-II variants and is BS-IV ready. BS II, BS III and BS IV are the India mandatory norms for NO_x, HC, CO and particulates. These norms are substantially aligned with the European norms Euro II, Euro III and Euro IV; the main difference is that the peak speed in the extra urban driving cycle is 90 km/h in India and 120 km/h in Europe.

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GE Aviation Advancing Next-Generation Engine Core Program eCore

March 15, 2009

GE Aviation is advancing jet propulsion and its next-generation engine core program, called eCore, through several private- and government-funded R&D programs, many with key technology milestones this year. eCore is designed to offer aircraft operators better fuel efficiency and lower emissions over GE’s best engines in operation today. (Earlier post.)

The engine core—comprising the compressor, combustor, and high-pressure turbine—is the heart of a jet engine. To this core, the fan system is attached to complete a jet engine. The fan provides thrust; the core provides the power to operate the fan and some thrust. The eCore program involves testing demonstrator engines and engine hot sections with aggressive technical goals, new materials and 3D aerodynamic designs, unique architectures, as well as advances in electric power and thermal management.

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UK New Car CO2 Emissions Drop to 158.0 g/km in 2008

March 12, 2009

UK average new car CO₂ emissions. Source: SMMT. Click to enlarge.

Average CO₂ emissions from new cars sold in the UK in 2008 fell to 158.0 g/km in 2008—4.2% less than the 2007 figure and 16.8% down on the 189.8 g/km base level in 1997, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) annual New Car CO₂ Report. The drop marks the sharpest annual decline yet. (Using US EPA conversion factors (earlier post), 158 g/km is roughly equivalent to 34.8 mpg US for gasoline and 39.9 mpg US for diesel.)

Although the UK new car fleet has made above-EU15 gains in six of past seven years to 2007, the UK average new car CO₂ emissions remains 3.7% above the EU15 average, which reached 158 g/km in 2007, according to the report.

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Global Fuel Economy Initiative Releases Roadmap Report on Achieving 50% Fuel Economy Improvement in LDV Fleet by 2050

March 06, 2009

The Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI)—a collaboration between the FIA Foundation, International Energy Agency, International Transport Forum and United Nations Environment Programme (earlier post)—released a report describing a roadmap and initial action plan to achieve a 50% improvement in fuel economy in the global light duty vehicle fleet by 2050.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has estimated that fuel consumption and emissions of CO₂ from the world’s cars will roughly double between 2000 and 2050. The IEA and ITF have developed a range of projections of possible “business-as-usual” scenarios around this, indicating the potential for a doubling (or more) of vehicle kilometers travelled (VKT) combined with modest improvements in vehicle fuel economy. These take into account an improvement in the fuel efficiency of new cars based on existing fuel economy regulations, mainly in OECD countries, with improvements slowing in most regions after 2015.

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Fiat Introduces Multiair Electro-Hydraulic Valve-Timing System

March 04, 2009

Multiair system components. Click to enlarge.

Fiat Group and Fiat Powertrain Technology introduced their new air management technology Multiair at the Geneva Motor Show. Multiair is an electro-hydraulic valve-timing system that provides dynamic and direct control of air and combustion, cylinder by cylinder and stroke by stroke.

Fiat expects that Multiair, with direct control of the air through the intake engine valves without using the throttle, can help reduce fuel consumption by up to 10% for turbocharged or naturally aspirated gasoline engines. Pollutant emissions are likewise reduced through combustion control. Applied to a turbocharged, downsized engine, MultiAir can contribute to up to a 25% reduction in fuel consumption over conventional naturally aspirated engines with the same performance, according to Fiat.

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GM Europe Premieres Opel Ampera,Chevrolet Spark at Geneva Show

March 03, 2009

The Opel Ampera. Click to enlarge.

GM Europe staged the world premieres of the Opel Ampera, the European cousin of the Chevrolet Volt, and the Chevrolet Spark mini-car, at the Geneva Motor Show. The Ampera goes on sale in Europe in 2011, the Spark in early 2010. The company also held the European premiere of the Cadillac SRX.

Opel Ampera. The Ampera is an extended range electric vehicle based on the Voltec technology used in the Chevrolet Volt. Equipped with a 16 kWh Li-ion battery pack, the five-door, four-seat hatchback has a battery-powered range of up to 60 km (37 miles) (MVEG cycle). An on-board gasoline/E85-fueled engine-generator extends the Ampera’s range to more than 500 km (311 miles).

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VW Introduces Fifth Generation Polo; Weight Down, Fuel Consumption Down

The 5^th generation Polo. Click to enlarge.

Volkswagen unveiled the fifth generation of the supermini Polo at the Geneva Motor Show. Despite improvements in all aspects of the car, Volkswagen was able to reduce the Polo’s body weight by 7.5%.

The introduction of new TDI and TSI engines, as well as the 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG), has resulted in reduced fuel consumption and emissions over a wide range of engine power outputs. As an example, the 1.2 TSI turbocharged four-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine produces 77 kW (103 hp), while consuming 5.5 L/100km (43 mpg US), with 129 g/km CO₂. This is 19% less than on the equivalent model of the previous generation.

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Lotus Engineering to Showcase Omnivore Engine Concept in Geneva

February 25, 2009

The Lotus Omnivore engine. Click to enlarge.

Lotus Engineering will display a single-cylinder research engine monoblock demonstrating the architecture of the Omnivore engine concept at the upcoming 79^th International Geneva Motor Show. (Earlier post.)

The Omnivore was designed in collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast and Orbital Corporation Limited Australia for high thermal efficiency when fueled on any alcohol-based fuel or gasoline. It features an innovative variable compression ratio system and uses a two-stroke operating cycle with Orbital FlexDI direct fuel injection. It is ideally suited to flex-fuel operation with a higher degree of optimization than is possible with existing four stroke engines, according to Lotus.

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UNEP, IEA, ITF and FIA Foundation to Launch Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI)

February 24, 2009

A partnership of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Transport Forum (ITF) and FIA Foundation is launching the Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) at the upcoming Geneva motor show.

The “50 by 50” effort calls for cars worldwide to be made 50% more fuel efficient by 2050, with interim targets. Even if vehicle kilometers driven double by 2050, efficiency improvements on this scale worldwide would effectively cap emissions of CO₂ from cars at current levels, the partners point out. The global vehicle parc is predicted to triple by 2050.

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Volvo Adding Seven New DRIVe Models; Start/Stop, Regenerative Charging on Three

Volvo Cars is presenting seven new DRIVe models across its full range at the upcoming Geneva auto show, three of which are equipped with a start/stop system and regenerative charging. Volvo introduced its first three DRIVEe branded models—indicating uprated environmental properties—at the 2008 Paris motor show. (Earlier post.)

All the new DRIVe models are equipped with a conventional diesel engine and manual gearbox optimized for extra-low fuel consumption. These cars are also tailored specifically for low rolling resistance and reduced air drag.

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Renault Powertrain Strategy: Focus on Electric Motor Development for EV Powertrains, New Technologies for Conventional Engines

February 17, 2009

Renault is currently working on the development of low-emission and zero-CO₂ emissions vehicles in what it calls “a determined bid” to introduce as many effective technologies as possible at an affordable price. Its work on powertrains focuses on two main areas: the development of a range of electric motors for all-electric vehicles, and new technologies for conventional engines, including a new generation of turbocharged internal combustion engines as well as on new automatic transmissions.

Electric motors. Renault is aiming to become the industry leader in the realm of mass-market electric vehicles. The Renault-Nissan Alliance is consequently developing a comprehensive range of all-electric powertrains, with power outputs ranging from 50 to 100 kW (70 to 140 hp).

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Ford Launching Transit Connect in US Starting This Summer; Battery-Electric Version Due in 2010

February 09, 2009

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect. Click to enlarge.

Ford is introducing the North American version of the 2010 Transit Connect light commercial vehicle at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show this week. (Earlier post.) Sales begin this summer.

Ford also said that the first product in Ford’s new electric vehicle plan announced in January(earlier post) will be a battery electric-powered version of the Transit Connect commercial vehicle. Ford is collaborating with Smith Electric Vehicles to bring the electric Transit Connect to market in North America in 2010.

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Ricardo Introducing Ethanol Boost Direct Injection Engine Technology

February 06, 2009

Ricardo, Inc. is introducing Ethanol Boosted Direct Injection (EBDI) technology to optimize flex-fuel engines to a level of performance the company says will exceed gasoline engine efficiency and approach levels previously reached only by diesel engines.

Current flex-fuel engines pay a fuel economy penalty of about 30% compared to gasoline when operated on ethanol blends such as E85. The EBDI technology takes full advantage of ethanol’s higher octane and higher heat of vaporization to “turn the gasoline-ethanol equation upside down”, according to Ricardo President Dean Harlow.

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Wal-Mart Estimates 50% of Fleet Efficiency Gain by 2015 Could Come from Vehicle Technology, 50% from Operational Improvement

Wal-Mart Stores has set a goal of increasing total fleet efficiency by 100% from 2005 to 2015, and has already exceeded its 2008 interim goal of a 25% increase, according to Chris Sultemeier, Wal-Mart’s Senior Vice President of Transportation.

Total fleet efficiency is a combination of driving and operational practices as well as the vehicles, Sultemeier said. Of the current 25%, about 20% is likely due to vehicle technology, he said. Looking ahead to the 2015 goal, about 50% could come from the vehicle, 50% from the operational side, he said in a teleconference.

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AVL Concept Turbohybrid Mild Hybrid System Approaches Full Hybrid Fuel Savings at Lower Cost; Improved Driveability

February 04, 2009

Comparison of Fuel Consumption, Fun to Drive and System Cost of the different powertrain concepts. Click to enlarge.

AVL has developed and patented a mild hybrid system and engine operating strategy that combines downsizing with a turbocharged gasoline direction injection engine; downspeeding (the application of a longer gear ratio); and a relatively low power electric machine to deliver a reduction in fuel consumption approaching that of a full hybrid but at lower cost, while improving the driveability of the vehicle.

In testing on a BMW demo 3-Series vehicle, a 1.6-liter AVL Turbohybrid prototype delivered a 24% reduction in fuel consumption on the NEDC compared to the 2.0L naturally aspirated baseline; a 1.6L full hybrid (power-split) system delivered a 36% compared to the baseline. However, the system cost of the Turbohybrid was 150% that of the baseline, while the system cost of the full hybrid was more than 300% that of the baseline. In addition, the Turbohybrid delivered a “fun to drive” rating of 7.81—higher (better) than both the conventional vehicle and the full hybrid.

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Dacia Broadens Fuel Efficient and Low Emission Offerings With LPG and E85 Engines, new 1.2L Gasoline Unit

February 03, 2009

The Sandero 1.4 LPG. Click to enlarge.

Dacia, a member of the Renault group, is broadening its offerings of fuel-efficient and low-emissions engines. During 2009, Dacia will introduce the Sandero and Logan 1.4 LPG, Logan MCV 1.6 LPG, and the Sandero 1.6 E85 bioethanol. Sandero and Logan will also be available with a new gasoline engine, the 1.2 16V 75 hp, with CO₂ emissions of 139 g/km.

LPG. The 1.4L LPG (75 hp / 56 kW) and 1.6L LPG (90 hp / 67 kW) engines reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 12% compared with gasoline power, and offer lower emissions of criteria pollutants.

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Volkswagen Introduces BlueMotionTechnologies Umbrella Brand for Fuel-Efficient, Low-Emissions Technologies; Previews Touareg Hybrid

February 02, 2009

Prototype Touareg Hybrid. Click to enlarge.

In the first part of 2009, Volkswagen will simultaneously bring three fuel-efficient Passat versions with low emissions to the market: the second generation of the Passat BlueMotion, the Passat BlueTDI and the Passat TSI EcoFuel. Volkswagen is presenting all three Passats under a new umbrella brand: BlueMotionTechnologies. This label covers all production-mature or near-production technologies and products that significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Under the same label, Volkswagen is offering an initial look at the prototype of the new Touareg Hybrid.

The term BlueMotionTechnologies does not define a fixed set of technologies but a range of continually evolving solutions, currently including systems such as a new stop-start system, regenerative braking, SCR catalytic converter and the NO_x storage catalytic converter, electric drive and hybrid systems.

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Study Concludes US LDV Fleet Needs to Reduce Carbon Emissions Per Mile By Up to 88% by 2050 to Meet 450ppm Stabilization Scenario; No Single Carbon Reduction Strategy Likely to Achieve This

January 29, 2009

Well-to-wheel carbon emissions limits (g/mi) for LDVs to meet target concentrations given a 2050 convergence date, two different VMT growth scenarios (0% and 1.7% per year), and a baseline LDV emissions share (25.3% of US emissions). Credit: ACS. Click to enlarge.

Researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) have calculated quantitative sustainable mobility targets for US light-duty vehicles (LDVs) to help stabilize atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations at 450 or 550 ppm, based on the well-to-wheel carbon emissions per mile driven.

Average fleet-wide on-road light-duty vehicle (LDV) well-to-wheel carbon emissions must be reduced from 160 g carbon/mile (equivalent to 586.7 gCO₂/mile) to as little as 20 gC/mile (equivalent to 73 gCO₂/mile) under one scenario by 2050—an 88% reduction—to contribute to a goal of 450 ppm, according to according to Greg Keoleian, co-director of the U-M School of Natural Resources and Environment, and his co-authors, Hilary Grimes-Casey and Blair Willcox of the Center for Sustainable Systems.

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UK To Provide £2.3B Support Package for Auto Industry; Focus on Low-Carbon Initiatives

January 28, 2009

The UK government introduced a £2.3 billion (US$3.3 billion) package of measures to support its domestic auto industry, including guarantees to unlock loans of up to £1.3 billion European Investment Bank (EIB) guarantees for investment in lower carbon initiatives; and loans or loan guarantees to support of up to £1 billion of lending for lower carbon initiatives for non-EIB backed projects.

The new scheme will help ensure that major new low-carbon investment projects in the UK automotive sector are not abandoned or located outside of the UK because companies are temporarily unable to access sufficient funding from traditional sources of finance, according to the government.

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Obama Memos on California Waiver and CAFE Create Opportunity for Harmonization of Federal and State Fuel Economy/GHG Standards in US

January 27, 2009

Outcomes for average fuel economy in MY 2015 under different rules and scenarios, including the original proposed CAFE from NHTSA, the California Pavley rules applied to the national fleet, and alternative scenarios from the NHTSA FEIS. Click to enlarge.

On Monday, US President Barack Obama issued two memoranda, one, to Lisa Jackson, the new Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the other, to Roy LaHood, the new Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT).

The resulting activity will create an opportunity to harmonize fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards in the US not just between two different sets of tailpipe or fuel economy numbers (California Pavley versus federal CAFE), but also between the two currently differing approaches to implementing and managing the regulations.

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UK to Spend £250M for Low Carbon Vehicles

January 20, 2009

The UK Government will spend £250 million (US$354 million) on a wide-ranging package of measures to promote ultra-low carbon vehicles. Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon announced the move alongside the government’s decision to grant approval for a third runway at Heathrow Airport—a highly-charged issue in the UK.

In a wide-ranging statement to the House of Commons, Secretary Hoon outlined the government’s plans for spending on low-carbon vehicles, and road and rail infrastructure before announcing the Heathrow decision.

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SwRI Launches HEDGE II Consortium for High-Efficiency Gasoline Engine

January 17, 2009

Cycle simulation comparison of HEDGE and diesel engines in medium-duty applications. Source: SwRI. Click to enlarge.

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) will launch its second cooperative research program aimed at developing a high-efficiency gasoline engine for both the light-duty automotive and medium-duty engine markets. HEDGE II, a four-year effort, will expand on earlier efforts to improve gasoline engine technology for future emissions and fuel economy requirements.

The first HEDGE (High-Efficiency, Dilute Gasoline Engine) consortium focused on high levels of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) combined with supporting technologies such as high-energy ignition and advanced boosting systems to develop strategies for high efficiency. (Earlier post.)

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Vehicle Scrappage Bill Introduced in Both US Senate and House

January 14, 2009

A measure introduced by US Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Charles Schumer (D-NY) would establish a national voucher program to encourage drivers to trade in older, less fuel efficient cars, trucks or SUVs for a more fuel-efficient vehicles or to use mass transit. Companion legislation was also introduced in the House by Representatives Steve Israel (D-NY), Jay Inslee (D-WA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Dennis Moore (D-KS).

The Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Retirement Act of 2009 (ARIVA)—also called the “Cash for Clunkers” program—would reimburse drivers with a credit of up to $4,500 for scrapping vehicles with a when-new fuel economy rating of less than 18 mpg US as reported by the original manufacturer for purposes of CAFE compliance. (CAFE compliance figures are lower than the adjusted EPA fuel economy ratings for consumers.)

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Kia Begins Full-Scale Production of First Kia Models with Stop/Start Systems

Kia Motors Corporation has begun full scale production of the six new Kia cee’d ISG (Idle Stop & Go, Kia’s label for a stop/start system) models, which offer up to 15% fuel savings in city driving, at its facility in Zilina (Slovakia), with deliveries to customers across Europe scheduled to begin during the next two months. Kia introduced the ISG system at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris in September, 2008. (Earlier post.)

Made in Europe, the C-segment cee’d ISG cars are the first Kia production models with the microhybrid system.

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Mercedes Introduces New E-Class With Up To 23% Reduction in Fuel Consumption; BlueZERO Concept in Detroit

January 13, 2009

Mercedes-Benz introduced its new E-Class vehicles in Detroit on the eve of the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The range of engines available for the new E-Class comprises four-, six- and eight-cylinder units with outputs from 100 kW/136 hp to 386 kW/525 hp. The new E-Class models offer reductions in fuel consumption of up to 23% compared to their predecessors

The four-cylinder engines are newly developed direct-injection units, which develop a higher output and torque than the comparable V6-engines of the preceding series despite a smaller displacement. The strategy is to replace to replace large, naturally aspirated engines with turbocharged units.

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Ford’s 3.5L Production EcoBoost Debuts in Lincoln MKS; 1.6L EcoBoost Appears in Lincoln C Concept

January 12, 2009

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine. Click to enlarge.

Ford’s first EcoBoost engine, a 3.5-liter direct-injection, twin-turbocharged V-6, made its debut in the 2010 Lincoln MKS at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 3.5L EcoBoost engine delivers 355 hp (265 kW) and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm) of torque across a broad rpm range, giving the Lincoln MKS the power of a normally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8. The engine will also be applied in the 2010 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT crossover vehicles.

Ford also used the Detroit show to unveil a Lincoln C (C-size) concept car powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine mated to a dual-clutch Powershift Transmission. With that powertrain, the Lincoln C achieves a projected 43 mpg on the highway, while offering up an estimated 180 hp (134 kW) and 180 lb-ft (244 Nm) of torque. That’s a nearly 25% fuel-economy improvement over the C-car sized Ford Focus equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine.

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Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE Opens New Division for Large, Established Automakers

January 11, 2009

The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a multimillion dollar competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles (earlier post), has opened a Demonstration Division designed specifically for large, established automobile manufacturers. The new Division was created to address the fact that actual, high-volume production vehicles involve more and substantially harder engineering challenges and tradeoffs than developmental vehicles that are production-capable, the organizers said.

The Demonstration Division, distinct from the existing Competition Division, is intended to showcase high-efficiency vehicles from established automakers that are already selling fully validated, four-wheel vehicles in the US or EU at quantities greater than 10,000 per year, and have been doing so since 2005. Such companies may enter efficient Mainstream Class vehicles that are either in production or committed for production and sale in the US or EU prior to the end of 2012.

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KPMG Global Auto Executive Survey Highlights Impact of Downturn on Industry; Increasing Importance of Hybrid, Electric and Battery Technologies

January 10, 2009

Concerns about the global economy and environmental issues have grown steadily in importance to the industry, according to the latest survey findings. Source: KPMG. Click to enlarge.

The just-released tenth consecutive annual survey of senior global auto executives carried out by KPMG firms—The KPMG Global Auto Executive Survey 2009—highlights the impact of the economic crisis on the global automotive industry. The survey found that sales and profitability expectations are down sharply; that more bankruptcies are expected, along with intensive restructuring; that costs must be cut, meaning process innovation will have to intensify; and that auto execs expect that customers will become more discriminating, and more concerned with total cost of ownership.

However, the industry also sees great opportunities in new technologies, particularly alternative fuel and fuel efficiency technologies. Despite the fall in oil prices during late 2008, companies have increased their sales expectations for hybrid and alternative propulsion vehicles.

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2010 Ford Fusion S Bests Camry and Accord in Fuel Economy

The 2010 Ford Fusion. Click to enlarge.

The new entry-level 2010 Ford Fusion S has been certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 34 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city—beating both the gasoline-powered Camry and Honda Accord models. The news follows certification of the Ford Fusion Hybrid at 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. (Earlier post.)

The 2010 Ford Fusion fuel economy certification was conducted at Ford’s testing laboratories in Allen Park, Mich. The Ford Fusion S and the base-level Mercury Milan, are both powered by a new 2.5-liter Duratec 4-cylinder engine mated to a fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission.

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Maruti Suzuki Becomes First Indian Car Manufacturer to Display Fuel Economy Labels

January 02, 2009

SIAM’s fuel economy label. Click to enlarge.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the India subsidiary of Suzuki Motors, is the first Indian automaker to comply with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers’ (SIAM) Voluntary Labeling Program. The program, announced in September 2008, calls for all member companies to make a voluntary disclosure of fuel economy by end of March 2009.

Maruti Suzuki had its complete range of 12 brands tested at the three government-approved test agencies: ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) Pune; VRDE (Vehicles Research and Development Establishment) Ahmednagar and ICAT (International Centre of Automotive Technology) Manesar. The test results are:

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Ford ’s New Active Park Assist Leverages Electric Power Assisted Steering; Nearly 90% of Ford Lineup to Have EPAS by 2012

December 31, 2008

Ford’s Active Park Assist. Click to enlarge.

Ford is introducing a new Active Park Assist technology on its 2010 Lincoln MKS flagship sedan and new Lincoln MKT seven-passenger luxury crossover. Available in mid-2009 as an option, Active Park Assist uses an ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) to position the vehicle for parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle and quickly steer the vehicle into a parking spot.

Active Park Assist is enabled by Ford’s advanced EPAS technology. In addition to helping with parallel parking, EPAS improves fuel economy up to 5%, while reducing CO₂ emissions and enhancing steering performance compared with traditional hydraulic powered-assisted steering systems.

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Stratified Charge Engine With Two-Stage Combustion Mechanism Shows 17% Reduction in Fuel Consumption Without Direct Injection

December 29, 2008

Two-stage combustion mechanism in twin swirl combustion (1, zone containing pure air; 2, spark plug; 3, turbulizer; and 4, zone containing the fuel-rich mixture). Click to enlarge. Credit: ACS

A team of researchers from Istanbul Technical University (ITU) in Turkey has presented a 1.6-liter stratified charge gasoline engine featuring a twin swirl combustion chamber operating with a two-stage combustion mechanism and experimentally shown that it can deliver a 17% reduction in fuel consumption with a 7% increase in power compared to a conventional 1.6-liter port-injected engine.

The proposed combustion mechanism does not require high fuel injection pressures and can be applied on current production engines without significant modification and without direct injection fuel systems, according to the researchers. A paper on the work was published online in the ACS journal Energy & Fuels on 15 December.

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S. Korea Announces Energy Efficiency Initiative; 16.5% Increase in New Vehicle Fuel Economy by 2012

December 28, 2008

The South Korean government has allocated 18.3 trillion won (about US$14.2 billion) for an energy efficiency initiative that will run until 2012 and save 34.2 million tonnes of oil equivalent (toe). The goal is an 11.3% improvement in energy efficiency by 2012, compared with the level seen in 2007. Among the steps are a 16.5% increase in new vehicle average fuel economy by 2012.

In 2004, South Korea replaced its voluntary, unenforced standard with a mandatory program—the Average Fuel Economy (AFE) system—that started in 2006 for domestic vehicles and will start in 2009 for imports. (Earlier post.) The current standards are 12.4 km/l (29.2 mpg US) for vehicles with engine displacements of 1.5 liters or less and 9.6 km/l (22.6 mpg US) for vehicles with engine displacements of more than 1.5 liters. Credits can be earned to offset shortfalls.

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GM Holden To Build New Small Car Alongside Commodore

December 22, 2008

Concept sketch of the new Holden small car. Click to enlarge.

GM Holden will build an all-new small car in Australia alongside the Commodore range. The second carline will start in the third quarter of 2010 with support from the Federal and South Australian Governments. It will be GM Holden’s first locally produced car beyond its current range of larger vehicles since the Asian economic crisis ended Vectra production in 1998.

The vehicle will be based on GM’s global Delta small car platform and feature new technologies to increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse emissions. Other applications of the Delta platform will include the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze and Opel, Vauxhall and Saturn Astra.

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Honda Adjusts to Deteriorating Markets; Focus on Hybrids and Small Cars, Delayed Introduction of New Diesel in US and Japan

December 20, 2008

In his year-end speech, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui outlined the steps Honda is taking in the short term to deal with the global automobile industry crisis while still addressing the mid- to long-term challenges Honda faces, which “have not fundamentally changed.”

More than ever, Fukui said, Honda will concentrate its resources on the development of fuel-efficient products. “The keys to achieve this goal are advancements of electromotive technologies including hybrid models as well as motorcycles and small cars.”

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Volvo to Show S60 Concept Featuring New 1.6L GTDi Turbo Direct Injection Engine

December 19, 2008

The S60 concept. Click to enlarge.

When it shows its new S60 Concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, Volvo Cars will be featuring a new 180 hp (134 kW) four-cylinder 1.6-liter gasoline engine using high-efficiency GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) technology.

This engine, in combination with a range of other measures such as stratified combustion and stop/start, makes it possible to cut carbon dioxide emissions to 119 g/km (5.0 L/100 km, or 47 mpg US). Volvo Cars’ first production car with the GTDi technology will be introduced during the second half of 2009.

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US to Provide Up To $17.4B in Loans to GM and Chrysler

The US federal government will provide up to $13.4 billion in loans to GM and $4.0 billion to Chrysler under terms similar to those Congress considered last week. The funds will be provided by the US Department of the Treasury from the $700 billion TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) package passed earlier this year to address the crisis in the financial sector.

Under the terms of package announced by President Bush, the automakers have three months to put into place plans to restructure into financially viable companies. If restructuring cannot be accomplished outside of bankruptcy, the loans will provide time for the companies to make the legal and financial preparations necessary for an orderly Chapter 11 process that offers a better prospect of long-term success.

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GM Introduces Two New Direct Injection Engines; Downsizing for the 2010 Equinox

December 18, 2008

The 2010 Ecotec 2.4L I-4 VVT DI (Direct Injection) for Chevrolet Equinox. Click to enlarge.

GM is introducing two new direct injections engines—a 2.4-liter inline four cylinder unit and a 3.0-liter V-6 unit—with initial application on the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The more fuel efficient direct injection engines replace the larger 3.4L and 3.6L V-6 engines on the 2009 models.

The 180 hp (134 kW) 2.4L DI engine, which will replace the current entry-level 3.4-liter V-6, delivers an estimated 30 mpg US highway (EPA certification pending). By comparison, the older 3.4L engine produces 185 horsepower (138 kW), but with a rated 24 mpg US highway.

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New US EIA Energy Outlook Projects Flat Oil Consumption to 2030, Slower Growth in Energy Use and CO2 Emissions, and Reduced Import Dependence; 2% PHEV New Sales Share by 2030

December 17, 2008

The AEO2009 reference case projects no increase in petroleum-based liquid fuels consumption, as biofuel use grows. Click to enlarge.

The Annual Energy Outlook 2009 (AEO2009) reference case released today by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects virtually no growth in US oil consumption through 2030, reflecting the combined effect of recently enacted CAFE standards, requirements for increased use of renewable fuels, and an assumed rebound in oil prices as the world economy recovers.

With overall liquid fuel demand in the AEO2009 reference case growing by 1 million barrels per day between 2007 and 2030, increased use of domestically-produced biofuels, and rising domestic oil production spurred by higher prices, the net import share of total liquids supplied, including biofuels, declines from 58% in 2007 to less than 40% in 2025 before increasing to 41% in 2030.

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JAMA Recommends Measures for Reducing CO2 Emissions in Global Transport Sector

December 06, 2008

Potential CO₂ reductions in the global transport sector with JAMA measures. Click to enlarge.

Despite an estimated 15% reduction in gCO₂/km (CO₂ intensity) in global road transport emissions by 2030, aggregate CO₂ emissions for the global sector will increase by roughly 60% over present levels by 2030, according to a new report by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). Countering that increase will require aggressive application of a range of countermeasures spanning vehicle and fuel technology; improvements in traffic flow; and more efficient vehicle use—i.e., driver behavior—JAMA says.

JAMA projected the 15% decrease in gCO₂/km in the global road transport sector based on some of the following assumptions:

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European Parliament Backs Regulations for Quieter, More Energy-Efficient Tires

December 05, 2008

The European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection has voted to support proposed amended legislation that would make tires quieter and more energy efficient. The legislation, originally proposed by the European Commission in May, will set harmonized minimum noise and rolling resistance standards for tires. Tires not meeting the requirements will note be able to be sold; tires belonging to stocks prior to the dates of new requirements and falling short of the new requirements would still be permitted to be sold.

The new regulation replaces a number of directives, is directly applicable in the Member States and reflects car safety standards harmonized by the United Nations.

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Fiat Adding Bosch Stop-Start System to Fiat 500; Bosch Projects 50% of Euro New Vehicles to Have Stop-Start by 2012

December 04, 2008

A specially adapted starter and the engine control unit are the central components of the Bosch stop-start system. Click to enlarge.

Beginning in March 2009, Fiat will feature a Bosch start/stop system on the Fiat 500. (Earlier post.) Bosch supplies the specially adapted starter, the engine management system, and the battery sensor. Bosch has been manufacturing this start/stop technology since 2007, and has already delivered more than 500,000 starters to BMW and Mini. (Earlier post.)

In the Fiat 500, the system will initially be available in combination with the Dualogic automated manual transmission and a 1.2-liter engine. Fiat plans to install the system in other variants and models as early as 2009.

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DOE to Fund up to $14.55M for Vehicle RD&D Projects: PHEV Li-ion Materials and Manufacturing; Thermoelectric HVAC; and Aerodynamic Heavy-Duty Truck Trailers

The US Department of Energy (DOE) selected six cost-shared research projects for the development and demonstration of alternative vehicle technology projects totaling a DOE investment of up to $14.55 million over three years, subject to annual appropriations. The projects were selected under three diverse topic areas: lithium-ion battery materials and manufacturing; thermoelectric heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; and aerodynamic heavy-duty truck trailers. (Earlier post.)

Private sector contributions will further increase the financial investment for a total of up to $29.3 million. The selections are part of DOE’s continuing work to develop high efficiency vehicle technologies and are not part of the previously announced $25 billion Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program for retooling. (Earlier post.)

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VW Premieres New Golf Plus, Golf BiFuel (LPG) and Passat TSI EcoFuel (CNG) at Bologna Motor Show

The 7-speed DSG. Click to enlarge.

Volkswagen is staging the world premieres of the New Golf Plus and low-emissions Golf BiFuel with autogas (LPG) and gasoline drive at the Bologna (Italy) Motor Show (3-14 December). In an Italian premier, VW is showing the Passat TSI EcoFuel (earlier post). VW also introduced the Scirocco Studie R and Passat CC Individual.

Golf Plus. The new Golf Plus will be offered with five gasoline engines (59 kW / 79 hp to 118 kW / 158 hp) and four new turbo-diesel engines (66 kW / 89 hp to 103 kW / 138 hp). All engines are four-cylinder, all engines are charged starting at 89 hp, all engines fulfill the Euro-5 emissions standard. And with the exception of the base variants, any of the gasoline and diesel engines may be paired with a 6-speed or 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG). (Earlier post.) This signifies the retirement of the classic automatic with torque-converter lockup clutch in the Golf Plus and its replacement by DSG technology.

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Chrysler Asking for $7B Bridge Loan from Congress; Production of More Than 500,000 Electric-Drive Vehicles by 2013

December 03, 2008

Chrysler is asking Congress for a $7 billion secured working capital bridge loan by 31 December 31, 2008 to support ongoing operations as it continues to restructure its business, according to a summary of the presentation to be made by Chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli on 4 December. Like Ford (earlier post) and GM (earlier post), Chrysler cited the “unprecedented” drop in vehicle sales caused by the financial crisis as the fundamental cause of its financial distress.

Chrysler’s viability plan includes 24 major product launches through 2012, including a wide portfolio of hybrid electric-drive vehicles within several categories: Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV), City Electric Vehicles (CEV), Range-extended Electric Vehicles (ReEV), and full-function battery electric vehicles (BEV).

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GM Requests $12B in Term Loan and $6B Revolving Line of Credit from Congress; Plan Outlines Increased Production of Fuel-Efficient and Alt Energy Vehicles

During the four-year plan window, GM will invest approximately $2.9 billion in alternative fuel and advanced propulsion technologies; more than $2B of that goes to hybrid and EREV platforms; 26% of the total ($758M) goes to EREVs alone). Click to enlarge.

GM is asking Congress for term loans of up to $12 billion to provide adequate liquidity levels through 31 December 2009. In a four-year Restructuring Plan submitted to Congress, GM said it anticipates an initial draw of $4 billion in December 2008, another $4 billion in January 2009, and a third draw of up to $2 billion in the February-March time frame based on recent market developments, for a total draw of $10 billion by the end of the first quarter.

In addition to the bridge loans, the company is requesting a $6 billion line of credit to provide liquidity should a severe market downturn persist. GM’s intent is to begin to repay the loans as soon as 2011. Warrants issued as part of the loans would allow taxpayers to benefit from growth in the company’s share price that might result from successful completion of the plan.

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Toyota Auris to Offer New 1.33L Dual VVT-i with Stop&Start

November 19, 2008

Toyota Optimal Drive 1.33-liter Dual VVT-i gasoline engine with Stop&Start. Click to enlarge.

Toyota is applying its new 1.33-liter, Dual VVT-i gasoline engine with Stop&Start in the Auris. The engine is also to be applied in the iQ. (Earlier post.) The new 1.33L engine in the Auris delivers a 19% improvement in fuel consumption and a 17% decrease in CO₂ emissions compared to the previous 1.4L VVT-i unit.

The new Auris 1.33 Dual VVT-i Stop&Start is being branded as an “Optimal Drive” vehicle. (Earlier post.) Toyota Optimal Drive covers a range of different technologies that can be applied to achieve real-world results in decreasing fuel consumption and emissions without compromising driving pleasure. This approach, Toyota says, is in contrast to “some car manufacturers which have elected to launch special eco-themed models with design, engineering and equipment tweaks to achieve lower emissions and better fuel consumption, often at the cost of comfort and driving pleasure.”

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Novel Spoiler Design Reduces Fuel Consumption for Minivans, SUVs

November 12, 2008

Cross-sectional view of the new spoiler attached to the back of a modeled minivan. Click to enlarge. Source: Inchul Kim

A team of researchers has used the principles of fluid dynamics and numerical simulation to design a new rear spoiler for bluff-backed vehicles (such as minivans and SUVs) that can reduce drag and lift significantly.

In a paper published in the International Journal of Vehicle Design, Inchul Kim of Metacomp Technologies, in Agoura Hills, California, working with Xin Geng and Hualei Chen of the University of Michigan-Dearborn report that the aerodynamic drag and lift on a mini-van moving at 108 kph (67 mph) are reduced by 5% and more than 100%, respectively, when the new spoiler is attached to it.

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Antonov Says that Dual-Speed Ancillaries Can Deliver a 5% Reduction in Fuel Consumption

November 07, 2008

Antonov two-speed alternator. Click to enlarge.

Simple dual-speed drives can help alternators and other engine ancillaries operate more efficiently by better matching their drive speed to the vehicle requirements and also improve the re-charging of batteries, according to transmission specialist Antonov Automotive Technologies. (Earlier post.)

The characteristics of Antonov’s mechanical module (AMM), essentially a self-controlling automatic two-speed gearset, can be tuned to meet specific vehicle requirements.

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US Department of Energy Issues Rules for $25B Automaker Loan Program

November 06, 2008

The US Department of Energy (DOE) issued an Interim Final Rule for implementing the $25-billion retooling loan program authorized by EISA 2007 and funded by the FY09 Continuing Resolution. (Earlier post.)

The program is to provide direct loans to eligible applicants for the costs of reequipping, expanding, and establishing manufacturing facilities in the United States to produce advanced technology vehicles, and components for such vehicles. These vehicles must provide “meaningful” improvements in fuel economy performance, defined as at least a 25% improvement in fuel economy over a baseline established for vehicles of a given class.

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Honda: New US CAFE is a “Game Changer”

November 02, 2008

Historic CAFE fuel economy (unadjusted for EPA rating) and projected MY 2011-2015 targets. Click to enlarge. Data: EPA, Honda

American Honda Motors (AHM) views the new CAFE regulations under development as a “game changer” both in terms of how fuel economy is determined and in likely responses by automakers. Honda supports the CAFE rules as “good energy policy”, said John German, AHM’s Manager, Environmental Policy Analysis, in a recent briefing. However, he noted, the new rules will be challenging for the auto industry, as the percentage annual increases in fuel economy are triple the historic rate for the US market, and twice the actual rate of increase in Japan and in Europe over the last 10-15 years.

The structure of the new rules will likely result in higher new vehicle prices, German said. Because the rules also now include societal benefit—including CO₂ reduction—as well as direct benefit in the analysis of technology potential, the cost of the new technology may be higher than the customer’s perceived benefit value, he noted.

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European Automakers Look for a “Supportive Framework” Including €40B in Low-Interest Loans

October 30, 2008

The European automotive industry needs a supportive framework to secure its future, according to a mid-term review of CARS21 (Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st Century) held at the European Commission in Brussels. Hosted by European Commission Vice-President Guenter Verheugen and with the participation of five automaker CEOs, national ministers and other stakeholders, the meeting reviewed progress since the start of CARS21 in 2005, and looked ahead to 2020 and beyond.

The meeting concluded that such a supportive framework should consist of four components: “better regulation”; a €40 billion (US$51.7 billion) low-interest loans package to support the development and deployment of fuel-efficient technologies (earlier post); market incentives; and favorable, reciprocal trade relations. Following the meeting, Verheugen told a news conference that the European Investment Bank could help the car industry with low-interest loans.

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2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Feature New Engines, 6-Speed Transmission, New Hybrid System

The 2010 model year Fusion and Milan, which will arrive in showrooms next spring, will offer Ford’s all-new Duratec 2.5-liter I-4, producing 175 hp (130 kW); an enhanced 240 hp (179 kW) flex-fuel capable 3.0-liter V-6 with 19 more horsepower than its predecessor; and a high end 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 263 hp (196 kW) on the Fusion Sport model. Fusion models equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry.

All are paired with six-speed transmissions for up to a 10% fuel economy improvement and other new technologies aimed at improving performance while gaining fuel economy. The new lineup will also include Ford’s first sedan-based hybrid models. (Earlier post.) The more efficient hybrid system that debuts with the Fusion and Milan models delivers a more seamless driving experience and is expected to beat the Toyota Camry hybrid by at least 5 mpg in the city cycle, according to Ford.

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HOTFIRE Project Wins Engineering Award; Homogeneous Direct Injection with Fully Variable Valve Train

October 21, 2008

The HOTFIRE head on the 3-cylinder demonstrator engine. Click to enlarge. Source: Lotus Engineering

Project HOTFIRE has taken the top award in the automotive sector in ‘The Engineer Technology + Innovation Awards 2008’ in the UK. The project team, comprising engine designers from Lotus Engineering, fuel injection specialists from Continental Powertrain and thermodynamics and mechanics experts from University College London and Loughborough University, developed a gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine concept that reduces fuel consumption by 15%. The project was funded by EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council).

The end application of this project is a direct injection spark ignition engine architecture that does not require stratified lean burn combustion to achieve the approximate 15% fuel savings. This ensures that the system can be used over all speed/load ranges and eliminates the need for an expensive lean NO_x trap which is usually required when lean combustion is employed.

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UK Government Invests £100M in £200M Low Carbon Vehicle Program

October 14, 2008

The UK government is putting £100 million (US$175 million) into a new £200 million investment program, jointly funded by government and business, to speed up the introduction of new low carbon vehicles onto Britain’s roads.

The Low Carbon Vehicle Integrated Delivery Programme will co-ordinate the UK’s low carbon vehicle activity from initial strategic research through collaborative research and development, leading to the production of demonstration vehicles. The Technology Strategy Board will manage the five-year program through its Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform, and it will be guided by an industry-led advisory panel.

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NHTSA Releases Final EIS on New Fuel Economy Rules With Alternative Scenarios; Most Aggressive Reaches 42 MPG by 2015

October 13, 2008

The NHTSA FEIS concludes that the most extreme technology scenarios combined with higher economic inputs could deliver or beat the 2020 CAFE target by 2015. Click to enlarge.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) on the new CAFE rules for light-duty vehicles from model years 2011 to 2015. This period represents the first stage of a series of CAFE increases that are to result in a minimum new vehicle fleet average of 35 mpg by 2020.

Under Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, NHTSA must compare the potential environmental impacts of its proposed action and a reasonable range of alternatives. In fulfillment of this requirement, NHTSA analyzed the impacts of six “action” alternatives and the impacts that would be expected if NHTSA imposed no new requirements (the No Action Alternative).

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Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Manufacturers Say Industry Needs Effective Fuel Efficiency Metrics and Global Fuel Regulations

Chief executives of the world’s leading heavy-duty engine and vehicle manufacturing companies gathered last week in New Orleans for the 6^th Global Commercial Vehicle Industry Meeting (GCVIM). Participants in the meeting agreed that addressing climate change and fuel efficiency requires require developing effective fuel efficiency measurement metrics and methodologies and global fuel regulations.

The chief executives of the assembled companies agreed to continue working together with governments toward harmonized global standards with an emphasis on uniform measurement and testing protocols. The executives further agreed to meet jointly with the relevant national authorities to stress the need for a speeding progress towards the development of a fully harmonized WHDC (Worldwide harmonized Heavy-Duty emissions Certification procedure) Global Technical Regulation. They also agreed to work to improve fuel efficiency, develop hybrid technology certification procedures, and develop high-quality renewable fuels specifications.

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VW Introduces Passat BlueTDI, BlueMotion 2 and Concept Variant BlueMotion II; Bin 5 and Euro 6 Compliance, Stop/Start and Regenerative Braking

October 06, 2008

The VW Passat Variant BlueMotion II. Click to enlarge.

At the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen unveiled the Passat BlueTDI (a Passat model with an SCR system to cut NO_x to US Bin 5 and Euro-6 levels); the second-generation of the Passat BlueMotion, equipped with a stop/start system as standard; and a concept Passat Variant BlueMotion II, which takes the SCR system of the BlueTDI model and applies it in a more fuel-efficient BlueMotion variant featuring regenerative braking. The Passat BlueTDI is due to go into production in 2009; the new Passat BlueMotion is launching this year. VW plans to produce the BlueMotion II as well.

Among its other introductions at the show, VW highlighted the concept of the next Golf GTI with reduced fuel consumption; a new v6 FSI (gasoline direct injection) model of the Phaeton (which will now also feature stop/start systems as standard); and the sixth generation of the Golf (earlier post).

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European Automakers to Seek €40 Billion in Loans from EC

Sales of personal cars are on the decline in Europe. Click to enlarge. Source: ACEA

European automakers will approach to European Commission (EC) seeking €40 billion in loans (US$54 billion) to support their shift to lower GHG-emitting vehicles, according to Fiat CEO and former ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) president Sergio Marchionne, in interviews given to several financial newspapers at the Paris Motor Show.

The request mirrors the new program of US$25 billion in loans from the US government to domestic automakers and suppliers for retooling factories to produces more fuel-efficient vehicles. (Earlier post.)

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GM Opel Previews ecoFLEX Version of Insignia with 2.0L Diesel with Closed-Loop Combustion

October 05, 2008

The Vauxhall version of the Insignia ecoFLEX. Click to enlarge.

GM Opel previewed an ecoFLEX version of its new Insignia at the Paris Motor Show. The newest ecoFLEX model features a 2.0-liter single turbo diesel that delivers 118 kW (160 hp) of power and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. Opel anticipates that the Insignia EcoFlex, which is still under the development, will have CO₂ emissions well below 140 g/km (approximately 44 mpg US, using EPA methodology, earlier post).

The new 2.0-liter common-rail four-cylinder unit controls combustion via an electronic closed-loop system, adapting fuel injection to combustion development in real time to minimize emissions. (The closed-loop approach is also used in the 2.9L V-6 diesel being developed for the Cadillac CTS. Earlier post.) Piezo-resistive cylinder pressure sensors integrated in the glow plugs are used to measure combustion pressures as high as 180 bar in each individual cylinder up to one million times per minute, within an accuracy of 98%.

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New Stop & Start Systems for PSA Peugeot Citroën Due in 2010

October 04, 2008

PSA Peugeot Citroën was one of the first manufacturers to commercialize a stop/start system, packaging it with the C3 beginning in 2004. (Earlier post.) This micro-hybrid technology cuts fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions in the city by around 10%, and up to 15% in heavy traffic.

The group will introduce a follow-on Stop & Start system, to be provided by Valeo (earlier post) on the market in 2010. The new-generation system, which will cut fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by around 15% in the city, will continue to use alternator/starter technology but will also recover energy during deceleration and braking, in order to recharge the vehicle battery without increasing consumption.

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