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.]
Delphi Launches Diesel Direct Acting Piezo Injection System; Lower Emissions and Fuel Consumption, More Power and Torque
September 06, 2008
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| Delphi Direct Acting Injector (DFI3) compared to a conventional servo-hydraulic injector. Click to enlarge. |
Delphi Corp. has launched the Delphi Direct Acting Common Rail system, its next generation of diesel fuel injection technology based on a new direct acting piezo injector, the DFI3 Piezo Injector. The new system is now entering production and will be available on a European production car to be launched later this year.
The DFI3 piezo injector needle is set in motion directly by a piezo ceramic actuator, rather than being moved via an electro-hydraulic circuit as with existing fuel injection technologies. This enables the injector to spray fuel into the combustion chamber faster and with much improved spray momentum and accuracy and provides extremely fast opening and closing of the needle valve, independent of injection pressure.
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New Ford Ka to Debut at the Paris Motor Show; Diesel Engine Option
September 05, 2008
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| The 2008 Ford Ka. |
The new Ford Ka city car will make its global debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October. The new Ka replaces the original Ka, which was launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1996. Production of the new Ford Ka commences in the autumn of 2008, and the vehicle will go on sale in most major European markets in late 2008/early 2009.
The new Ka uses two economical, low-emission engines: a 1.2-liter 68 hp (51 kW) Duratec gasoline engine and, for the first time on Ka, a 1.3-liter 74 hp (55 kW) Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel. Both gasoline and diesel models offer sub-120 g/km CO2 emissions.
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Hyundai Says It Can Reach US 2020 CAFE Requirement of 35 mpg by 2015; Hybrid Santa Fe Concept to Debut at Paris Show
September 03, 2008
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| Hyundai will introduce a concept hybrid version of the Santa Fe SUV at the Paris Motor Show. Hyundai says the prototype offers combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.2 L/100km (38 mpg US). |
Hyundai Motor Company believes it will be able to meet the new US Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard of 35 mpg by 2015, five years ahead of the federally mandated deadline of 2020. Hyundai Senior Executive Vice President Park Seong–Hyon outlined the company’s approach in a presentation at the SAE North American International Powertrain Conference in Chicago (3-5 September).
Hyundai plans on continuous refinement of its gasoline engines; the introduction of more sophisticated transmissions; the application of next–generation hybrids; and new technologies such Integrated Stop and Go. Turbocharging, gasoline direct injection (GDI), dual continuously variable valve timing and eight–speed automatic transmissions are among the other fuel–saving technologies that will be applied according to vehicle type and size.
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BorgWarner Introduces Innovation in Variable Cam Timing Technology for 2009 Ford Escape
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| BorgWarner Morse Tec’s CTA creates cam torsionals from the opening and closing of the valves. Click to enlarge. |
BorgWarner will supply Cam Torque Actuated (CTA) variable cam timing technology for the upgraded Ford Duratec 3.0-liter V-6 engine, debuting in the 2009 Ford Escape. BorgWarner Morse TEC’s new, patented technology improves engine performance and fuel economy while reducing emissions.
Unlike traditional cam phasing methods which typically use engine oil pressure to rotate the camshaft, BorgWarner’s CTA technology captures the existing torsional energy in the valve train to accomplish this event, similar to a hydraulic ratchet.
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European Poll Finds 87% Support Urgent 25% Reduction in New Car Fuel Consumption
September 01, 2008
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| 87% of respondents think a 25% reduction in fuel consumption is very or fairly urgent. Click to enlarge. |
An opinion poll in five major European countries—France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK— found a strong majority (87%) of those surveyed support an urgent reduction in new car fuel consumption of 25%—equivalent to the 120 g CO2/km target being discussed by the European Parliament. The results come ahead of decisive votes in the European Parliament on proposed new legally-binding target for new car CO2 emissions.
The poll—carried out by TNS Opinion—probed close to 5,000 people in the five countries. Almost half (46%) of respondents think that requiring manufacturers to reduce the fuel consumption of vehicles is the best approach to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, ahead of tax incentives (27%) and promoting fuel-efficient cars through better information (13%). Seven percent support restrictions on the use of cars.
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Three New Toyota Vehicles to Debut at Paris Motor Show
August 30, 2008
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| The diesel Urban Cruiser. |
Toyota will introduce three new vehicles at the upcoming Paris Motor Show (Mondial de l’Automobile, 04-19 Oct): the third-generation Avensis, the production model of the iQ, showcased in design form earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show (earlier post), and the 1.4-liter D-4D diesel All Wheel Drive (AWD) urban cruiser, a new “urban all-roader”. (Earlier post.)
Measuring less than 3 meters in length, the iQ is the world’s smallest production premium 4-seater. Toyota will offer the iQ with a choice of two gasoline engines and one diesel. With its compact design, low weight and aerodynamic shape, the iQ will have CO2 emissions starting at 99 g/km. Production will commence late this year, with 100,000 units expected worldwide in the first full year.
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French Government Declares Car Feebates System a Success
August 28, 2008
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| Basic parameters of France’s feebate system. Click to enlarge. |
French environment minister Jean-Louis Borloo declared a bonus/malus (“feebate”) system introduced to encourage car buyers to make greener purchase choices a success.
According to official figures, sales in France of vehicles consuming less than 130 g/km CO2 increased 45% increase in the eight months since the scheme was introduced. In that time, average CO2 emissions from new cars sold fell by 9% (8 g CO2/km). There was, however, a surge in purchases of 4x4s between the scheme’s announcement and its introduction.
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GM’s Opel Introduces New Corsa and Astra ecoFLEX Models
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| The Opel Astra 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX. |
In Europe, GM Opel is introducing two new ecoFLEX (earlier post) diesel variants of the Corsa and Astra for model year 2009: the Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX and the Astra 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX.
The Corsa 1.3 CDTI version has a fuel consumption rating of 4.1 L/100km (57.4 mpg US), with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km. The Astra 1.7 CDTI version has a fuel consumption rating of 4.5 L/100km(51.3 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. Both cars are fitted with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard.
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Mazda Debuts Kazamai Direct-Injection Crossover Concept at Moscow Show
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| The Mazda Kazamai. |
Mazda Motor Corporation used the Moscow Motor Show (28 August-1 September) to debut its Mazda Kazamai concept car—an implementation of Mazda’s current ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom’ strategy. The Kazamai concept crossover showcases how Mazda could combine its aggressive design with 30% improved average fuel economy and fewer emissions than current production models.
Russia has rapidly emerged as an important global market, and may pass Germany to become the largest auto market in Europe this year, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC (PWC). (Earlier post.) Between 2004 and the end of 2007, Russia’s automobile market grew by about 1.28 million cars. During this same period, Mazda increased sales from 8,565 units in 2004 to more than 50,000 units last year.
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Ford Testing Shows Eco-Driving Improved Fuel Economy an Average 24%
August 27, 2008
Tests performed by Ford Motor Company and Pro Formance drivers found that 48 motorists coached by eco-driving experts saw results ranging from 6% fuel economy improvement to more than 50%, depending on their driving style and ability to master eco-driving behaviors. The average fuel economy improvement was 24%.
Eco-driving instructors coached drivers to employ smoother breaking and accelerating, monitor their RPMs and drive at a moderate speed. Over a four-day period, Ford and the Pro Formance drivers conducted validation tests using volunteers from Phoenix. The Sports Car Club of America verified the results.
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Report: BMW Shows Most Improvement in European Fuel Efficiency; Auto Industry Will Fall Short of CO2 Targets
August 26, 2008
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| European automakers’ average CO2 emissions for 2007, and the calculated targets for 2007. (See notes below.) Click to enlarge. |
BMW AG improved fuel efficiency in 2007 at four times the average rate of other major manufacturers, according to an analysis of European Union data commissioned by Transport & Environment (T&E), a sustainable transport campaign group. However, the aggregate performance of the industry was not enough to meet proposed EU CO2 targets for new cars.
The average new car sold by BMW in 2007 typically consumed 7.3% less fuel than in the previous year, leading to a cut in average CO2 emissions from 184 g CO2/km in 2006 to 170 g/km in 2007 according to the T&E report. The average improvement for all cars sold in the EU was 1.7%, with resulting industry average CO2 emissions of 158 g/km.
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Daihatsu Introduces New Mini Passenger Vehicle
August 25, 2008
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| The MOVE Conte. |
Daihatsu Motor, Toyota Motor’s minicar specialist, has launched a new mini passenger vehicle in Japan: the MOVE Conte. The new vehicle maintains the basic performance of the MOVE platform, while adding a number of functions and furnishings to enhance comfort.
The MOVE Conte features two different 658cc engines from the Topaz Neo series. The KF-VE twin-cam DVVT (Dynamic Variable Valve Timing) three-cylinder engine has a long-stroke and compact combustion chamber to provide ample torque (even at low and medium speeds), while the KF-DET twin-cam, three-cylinder turbo engine provides strong, smooth acceleration from starting up to high speeds.
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Studies Show Fuel Efficiency Comparable to Full Diesel in Heavy-Duty Vehicles with B10 and B20 Blends
August 22, 2008
With about 200,000 miles left to go in the two-year Two Million Mile Haul over-the-road B20 biodiesel demonstration (earlier post), data collected from each truck’s electronic data recorder are showing fuel efficiency for the B20 blend comparable to that of petroleum diesel. The partners in the project announced the results to-date during the Great American Truck Show in Dallas, Texas.
Separately, a study by Purdue University for the Indianapolis, Indiana transit agency IndyGo found that switching to a B10 (10% biodiesel) blend in the IndyGo bus fleet had no impact on total fuel economy.
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Frost & Sullivan Names Sanderson Engine Development Emerging Company of the Year
August 12, 2008
Frost & Sullivan recently recognized Sanderson Engine Development, LLC (SED) with the 2008 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Emerging Company of the Year. Sanderson is the desinger of the Sanderson Rocker-Arm Mechanism (SRAM) for converting reciprocating motion into rotational motion without the use of a conventional crankshaft. (Earlier post.)
Frost & Sullivan called the SRAM an emerging core technology for an entirely new generation of engine-driven pumps, compressors, generators, and any other device for which current power systems deploy multiple components (as in a crankshaft engine and a swash plate hydraulic pump) to transfer power.
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New Audi A6 Cuts Fuel Consumption About 15% Across Whole Model Range
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| The Audi A6. |
Audi has upgraded its luxury class A6 model, adding more efficient engines—including the new 3.0L TFSI supercharged engine (earlier post)—and cutting fuel consumption by about 15% across the whole model range. An improved suspension and new high-tech assistance system give the driver even greater control over the car. The revamped A6 will be launched in the German market in late summer.
The A6 now offers a selection of six gasoline and four diesels with direct fuel injection and FSI, TFSI and TDI technologies in a choice of four, six or eight cylinders. At the lower end of the diesel program is the four-cylinder 2.0 TDI engine, which is available in two versions: the 125 kW (170 hp), expected in fall 2008, and the 100 kW (136 hp). The basic version is an efficient e-model—the 2.0 TDIe—which uses a six-speed manual shift or automatic multitronic transmission to deliver 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque to the front wheels.
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Lotus, QUB and Jaguar to Develop Variable Compression Ratio, 2-Stroke OMNIVORE Research Engine
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| An early sketch of the OMNIVORE single-cylinder concept. Click to enlarge. |
Lotus Engineering, the automotive consultancy division of Lotus, will collaborate with Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and Jaguar Cars Ltd to develop an engine which maximizes fuel efficiency when running on renewable fuels. The OMNIVORE concept will employ novel engine architecture to achieve a high thermal efficiency when fuelled on any alcohols or gasoline. The OMNIVORE engine is being targeted for flex-fuel operation with a higher degree of optimization and fuel-efficiency than is possible with existing architectures.
The architecture features an innovative variable compression ratio system and uses a loop-scavenged two-stroke operating cycle with direct fuel injection operating in HCCI (homogeneous charge compression ignition) mode. In an earlier presentation on the concept, Lotus said that it believed compression ratios ranging from 8:1 to 40:1 are possible.
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GM Offers XFE Models of Full-Size Pickups and SUVs
General Motors is introducing new XFE (Xtra Fuel Economy) versions of its 2009 Chevy Silverado, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon full-size pickups and SUVs. The vehicles use a combination of mechanical, aerodynamic and mass-reducing enhancements to deliver a 5% increase in EPA-estimated highway fuel economy and more than 7% improved mileage in city driving. GM introduced an XFE version of the Chevy Cobalt compact car earlier this year. (Earlier post.)
GM’s more efficient full-size pickups and SUVs are powered by a 5.3L FlexFuel V-8 (LC9) engine that’s built with a mass-reducing aluminum cylinder block and heads. The engine is rated at 320 horsepower (238 kW) and 340 lb-ft of torque (461 Nm) in Tahoe and Yukon and 315 hp/235 kW and 338 lb-ft/458 Nm in Silverado and Sierra. The engine is backed by a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission (with high-capacity cooling on Silverado and Sierra).
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Concept: Zajac Motors Proposes Split-Cycle Engine with Separate Combustion Chamber; 15% Improvement on Diesel Fuel Economy
August 05, 2008
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| Basic elements of the Zajac engine. Click to enlarge. |
Zajac Motors is developing a split-cycle engine concept that significantly prolongs fuel burn time through the use of a combustion chamber external to the compression and expansion piston chambers. John Zajac, who presented a poster session on his concept at the Diesel Engine-Efficiency and Emissions Research (DEER) conference this week in Dearborn, Michigan, claims that his engine will deliver 15% better fuel economy than a diesel, run on any liquid fuel, and be essentially non-polluting.
The Zajac engine uses new head parts that are compatible with a standard diesel engine block. The in-block cylinders are split into compression and expansion roles, and connected by an external “hot wall” combustion chamber. The engine presumes the use of new rotary valves, also developed by Zajac. The combustion chamber, valves, and control systems are the core of Zajac’s IP.
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Nissan Introduces Eco-Pedal Intelligent Accelerator Pedal System
August 04, 2008
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| The Eco Pedal system. Click to enlarge. |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., unveiled the ECO Pedal system, a technology designed to assist drivers to become more fuel-efficient. When the eco-pedal system is on, each time the driver steps on the accelerator, a counter push-back control mechanism is activated if the system detects excess pressure, helping to inform the driver that they could be using more fuel than required.
Nissan plans to commercialize the ECO Pedal during 2009. Internal research conducted by Nissan has shown that by using the ECO Pedal drive system, drivers can improve fuel efficiency by 5-10%, depending on driving conditions.
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Ford Accelerates Small Car Transition in North America
July 24, 2008
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| Second quarter operating results. In contrast to the losses in North America, Ford operations in Europe and South America were strong. Click to enlarge. |
In the context of a just-announced $1.3-billion second-quarter operating loss for its North America operations, Ford Motor Company announced a significant acceleration of its transformation plan with the addition of new fuel-efficient small vehicles in North America and a realignment of its North American manufacturing away from trucks and SUVs to smaller cars and crossovers.
Under the “One Ford” plan, more than 40% of Ford’s North American entries in global segments (B, C, C/D and Commercial Van) will be shared with Ford of Europe by 2010, with 100% alignment achieved by 2013, according to Mark Fields, Ford Executive Vice President and President of the Americas.
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Jamison Report Calls for Fast-Tracking Development of Electric Vehicles in Australia
July 23, 2008
A report commissioned by Australia’s National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) calls on the Australian Government to set a target of reducing oil dependence by 20% by 2020; 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2050 and to do all it can to fast-track the development of the electric car in Australia, charged by renewable energy sources such as wind or solar.
The NRMA established the Jamison Group following the company’s Alternative Fuel Summit in 2006. The group, comprising David Lamb, Mark Diesendorf, John Mathews and Graeme Pearman, produced the report: A Road Map for Alternative Fuels in Australia: Ending our Dependence on Oil.
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Study: Minnesota Can Achieve Transportation GHG Reduction Goals Using a Combination of Vehicle Efficiency, Low Carbon Fuels and Reduced VMT
July 22, 2008
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| Minnesota LDV GHG emissions under different scenarios. The state’s 2015 and 2025 goals are represented by the horizontal dotted lines. Click to enlarge. |
A team of University of Minnesota transportation and public policy researchers concluded that the state’s transportation sector can nearly meet its share of Minnesota’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions goals in 2015 and can exceed them in 2025 using a combination of strategies targeted to reduce fuel consumption, vehicle-miles traveled (VMT), and fuel carbon content.
Strong action on all three fronts is needed sooner rather than later, according to the findings of the report Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Transportation Sources in Minnesota from the Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) at the university.
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Ford of Europe Introduces Fiesta ECOnetic; 63.6 mpg US
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| The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic. |
Ford of Europe introduced the Fiesta ECOnetic—the most fuel-efficient model in the European range—at the British International Motor Show in London.
Powered by a specially-calibrated version of the 90 PS (66 kW, 89 hp) 1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi, combined with coated Diesel Particulate Filter, the Fiesta ECOnetic offers fuel consumption of 3.7 L/100km (63.6 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 98 g/km. Extra-urban highway fuel consumption is 3.2 L/100km (73.5 mpg US). The Fiesta ECOnetic accelerates from 0-100 kph in 12.3 seconds and has a top speed of 178 kph (111 mph).
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Hyundai’s New Kappa Gasoline Engine; Focus on Lightweighting and Friction Reduction
July 15, 2008
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| Hyundai’s Kappa engine. Click to enlarge. |
Hyundai has unveiled its newly-developed Kappa gasoline engine in two variants: a 1.2-liter version for India, and two 1.25-liter versions for Europe and the rest of the world. The first car to have the Kappa engine installed will be the i10, produced at Hyundai Motor Co.’s Indian subsidiary in Chennai. Hyundai will also apply the engine in its i20 A- and B-segment cars, with a Kappa-engined i20 to be revealed at the Paris auto show this fall.
Hyundai’s i10 minicar with a 1.25-liter Kappa engine carries a fuel economy rating of 5.0L/100km (47 mpg US) in the European combined test cycle, with CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. The Euro-4 compliant, inline four-cylinder engines produce 57-59 kW (76-79 hp) of power and torque of 112-118 Nm (82-87 lb-ft).
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US EPA Moots Two Methods for Regulating GHG from Light-Duty Vehicles
July 14, 2008
As part of the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) on regulating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions released by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last Friday afternoon, the agency mooted two alternative attributes-based approaches for setting light-duty vehicle GHG standards.
Based on EPA modeling, such light-duty vehicle GHG regulations could result in average CO2 emissions of approximately 232 g/mile (144 g/km) by 2020, reflecting fuel economy of approximately 38.3 mpg gasoline (6.14 L/100km). The current fuel economy target in the new CAFE legislation is 35 mpg by 2020.
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US Senator Broaches the 55 mph Speed Limit
July 12, 2008
US Senator Richard Warner (R-VA) has requested that the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) study the imposition of the 55 mph speed limit in the US in 1974 to determine whether the administration and Congress should take similar action now.
In January 1974, in response to the oil crisis triggered by the OPEC oil embargo imposed in October 1973, President Richard Nixon signed into law the Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act, which had passed both the House and the Senate unanimously. The law established inducements for states to reduce speed limits to 55 mph on all major highways. Failure to comply would jeopardize the ability of states to secure highway funds.
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Report Finds Average Retail Fuel Price of $6.57/Gallon Required for Break-Even on Incremental Costs to Meet Proposed CAFE Standard
July 10, 2008
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| Target 2015 sales-weighted fuel economy by automaker and the resulting 5-year break-even fuel price. Click to enlarge. Data: Sierra Research |
An analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) proposed new CAFE rules for 2011-2015 by Sierra Research concludes that the retail price of fuel in the US would have to be $6.57/gallon for consumers to break-even in five years on the incremental cost of the new vehicle technologies required for automakers to meet the proposed fuel economy targets.
The break-even fuel price ranges widely by automaker and by vehicle type. Honda has the lowest sales-weighted break-even fuel price at $3.52/gallon; Porsche has the highest, at $11.52. The Sierra report was commissioned by the Alliance of Auto Manufacturers in response to the NHTSA proposed rulemaking and was included in the Alliance’s comments to NHTSA. The Alliance is arguing against NHTSA’s “front-loading” of the new CAFE rules. (Earlier post.)
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Lotus to Introduce Eco Elise Demonstrator at British Motor Show
July 09, 2008
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| The Eco Elise, with rooftop solar panels. Click to enlarge. |
Lotus will unveil its “Eco Elise” technology demonstrator at the upcoming British International Motor Show, 23 July - 3 Aug in London. Unlike some of Lotus’ other initiatives, this demonstrator focuses less on tailpipe CO2 and more on materials, manufacturing and design.
Renewable materials. Sustainable hemp technical fabrics have been used as the primary constituent in the composite body panels and spoiler. The hemp fibers have also been used in the manufacture of the lightweight Lotus designed seats. An additional benefit of using hemp is that it is a natural resource that requires relatively low energy to manufacture. The hemp material is used with a polyester resin to form a hybrid composite. Lotus hopes that a fully recyclable composite resin will be viable in the short-term future.
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National Research Council Review Calls for Continuation of 21st Century Truck Partnership But With Major Revamping
July 08, 2008
A recently-published review of the 21st Century Truck Partnership (21CTP)—a federal effort to reduce fuel usage and emissions while increasing safety in heavy-duty vehicles—by the National Research Council found that many of the key 21CTP program goals have not been met because some of the goals were not plausible, from either an engineering or funding perspective. Other goals were not met because some of the technologies proposed for meeting the goals were not applied, according to the report.
However, the 21CTP has also has had a number of successful programs since its beginnings in 2000, and the review committee recommended continuation of the program, but with it revised and better balanced to match current funding and technology levels.
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Citroën Upgrades the C4
July 07, 2008
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| The new C4. |
Citroën has upgraded its popular C4, which has sold nearly 900,000 units since its launch in 2004. In addition to styling tweaks and an interior redesign, the new C4 is now available with two new gasoline engines co-developed with BMW, and a new 2-liter HDi diesel that is the first in this engine family to comply with the future Euro 5 standard.
With low-rolling resistance tires, several versions of the C4 with the HDi 92 or HDi 110 paired with a manual or EGS6 gearbox can limit their CO 2 emissions to less than 120 g/km.
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Study: Net-Zero or Low-Cost Technologies in Transportation Could Bring Light-Duty Vehicle GHG Emissions Below 1990 Levels
July 06, 2008
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| Combining cost-effective vehicle efficiency technologies with in-use practice and lower-carbon fuel could result in GHG emissions from light-duty vehicles below the level emitted in 1990. Click to enlarge. Source: Lutsey (2008) |
A new report published by the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis (ITS) suggests that there are many net-beneficial “no regrets” climate change mitigation technologies—where the energy savings of the technologies outweigh the initial costs—and that most of these technologies are not being widely adopted.
According to the study, transportation technologies represent approximately half of the “no regrets” mitigation opportunities and about one-fifth of the least-cost greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation measures to achieve a benchmark 1990 GHG level.
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BMW Introduces New 7 Series; EfficentDyanmics Now Standard Across Entire BMW Range
July 05, 2008
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| The new BMW 7 Series. |
BMW unveiled the fifth generation of its 7 Series in Munich, Germany. The flagship of the BMW model range will debut in November with a set of new driving enhancement and safety technologies, and will be offered with a choice of a new 3.0-liter straight-six diesel engine or one of two new twin-turbo, direct injection gasoline engines (3.3-liter straight-six or 4.4-liter V8). All the new engines produce more power with lower fuel consumption and emissions than the models they replace.
With the launch of the new 7 Series, the entire BMW range will come equipped with EfficientDynamics technologies as standard. Brake Energy Regeneration (earlier post) uses the engine’s power on overrun, such as braking, to charge the battery for the car’s electrical circuit. When accelerating, the alternator disengages, enabling all of the engine’s power to be channelled towards the car’s performance.
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EMP To Supply Electrified Cooling Systems for Buses to New Flyer; Fuel Economy Improvement Up to 10%
July 03, 2008
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| The mini-Hybrid cooling system. Click to enlarge. |
Engineered Machined Products Inc. (EMP) will supply its electrified cooling systems to bus maker New Flyer Industries Inc. for use on municipal transit buses. The modular, fully customizable kit replaces the conventional cooling system on diesel-powered and natural gas engines. Use of the “mini-Hybrid” cooling system can improve fuel economy up to 10%, according to EMP.
The mini-Hybrid is a drop-in cooling module that replaces a conventional hydraulic system with an array of very efficient, controllable electric fans developed by EMP. The system also includes a highly efficient, air-cooled brushless alternator, the EMP Power 450, as an option that delivers best in class performance at low speeds and idle.
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Study Finds Fuel Economy of Gasoline-Electric Hybrid Buses Lower Than That of Conventional Diesel
July 02, 2008
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| The gasoline hybrids exhibited an average 4.3% lower fuel economy over the 24-month evaluation period than the conventional diesel buses. Click to enlarge. |
A two-year evaluation (July 2005 through June 2007) of gasoline-electric series hybrid buses in operation with Long Beach Transit (Long Beach, CA) found that on a volumetric basis, the average fuel economy for the gasoline hybrid buses is 3.35 mpg—4.3% lower than that of the conventionally-powered diesel buses also in service with Long Beach Transit.
The study by the Fleet Test and Evaluation Team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) concluded that the difference is likely due to the lower efficiency of a throttled, spark-ignited engine as well as the lower energy content of a gallon of gasoline versus a gallon of diesel. On an equivalent energy per volume basis, the hybrids had an 8.5% mpg increase.
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Audi Introduces New 3.0 TFSI Direct Injection Supercharged Engine
June 27, 2008
Audi has introduced a new top end to its V6 engine range: the 213 kW (290 hp) 3.0 TFSI with gasoline direct injection and compressor supercharging. The “T” in the Audi engine designation no longer exclusively denotes turbo versions. The new V6 will go into production later this year.
Audi, which has a long tradition of supercharged engines, said that comparative tests showed that the mechanical supercharger was a superior charging solution to a biturbo concept for the 3.0-liter engine. In conjunction with direct injection, the packaging, starting performance and dynamic response of the supercharger were superior.
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Report Projects 4% Shrinkage of US Vehicle Fleet in Face of $7/Gallon Gas by 2012
June 26, 2008
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| CIBC’s Rubin projects a decrease in the US vehicle fleet of 10 million by 2012 as scrappage overtakes new sales. Click to enlarge. |
CIBC World Markets Managing Director/Chief Economist and Chief Strategist Jeff Rubin is projecting a shrinkage in the US vehicle fleet of 10 million vehicles in light of projected $7/gallon gasoline by 2012. A decline on that order would represent approximately a 4% reduction in the overall fleet—the largest such adjustment yet.
In the 26 June 2008 issue of the StrategEcon newsletter, Rubin lifts CIBC’s target for West Texas Intermediate by $20 per barrel to an average price of $150 in 2009 and by $50 per barrel to an average price of $200 per barrel by 2010. “Under prevailing refinery margins” he writes, “that should translate into a near-$7 per gallon pump price within two years, a 70% increase from today’s already record levels.”
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Mazda Targeting Average 30% Cut in Fuel Consumption of All its Cars by 2015
June 23, 2008
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| The operating principle of Mazda’s Smart Idle Stop System (SISS). Click to enlarge. |
Mazda Motor Corporation is targeting an average 30% reduction in the fuel consumption of its new vehicles worldwide by 2015. To achieve the reduction, Mazda will apply lightweight technologies, upgrade almost all of its gasoline engines, introduce the Smart Idle Stop System worldwide, and introduce a new gasoline rotary engine and new diesel engines worldwide.
By 2015, Mazda says it will have renewed almost its entire powertrain lineup and, from 2011, aims to reduce the weight of its new vehicles by 100 kilograms or more.
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Ford, Brunel Studying CAI Combustion with Methanol and Ethanol in Direct Injection Engine
Researchers at Ford Motor Company’s Dunton Technical Centre (UK) and Brunel University (UK) are studying CAI (controlled auto-ignition, also referred to as HCCI, homogeneous charge compression ignition) combustion of methanol and ethanol as part of a larger, on-going CAI project.
In results presented at the 2008 SAE International Powertrains, Fuels and Lubricants Congress in Shanghai (23-25 June), the researchers found that both oxygenate fuels, methanol and ethanol, can lead to CAI combustion as well as gasoline fuel. The load of CAI combustion was increased and emissions were lower with the two oxygenate fuels. Methanol was found to have highest output and lowest energy consumption among the three fuels tested.
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Pintle-Regulated Venturi Induction Prototype Achieves 52 mpg at 65 mph
On-going improvements to the pintle-regulated Venturi (PRV) induction system developed by PRV Performance (earlier post) have led to improved performance results.
Most recently, a 203-mile highway test loop was completed with 3.9 gallons of fuel (10% ethanol) at 65 miles per hour, yielding 52 miles per gallon (4.5 L/100km). Prior testing in December 2007 at Environmental Testing Corporation in Aurora, Colorado delivered 48.1 mpg and 106 g CO2/km in the EPA highway test. (Earlier post.)
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Fiat Introduces Alfa Romeo MiTo Mini
June 20, 2008
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| The Alfa MiTo. |
The Fiat Group has introduced the Alfa Romeo MiTo, a sporty mini. (MiTo references the Italian cities of Milan and Turin.) Two gasoline engines (78 bhp 1.4-liter and 155 bhp 1.4-liter turbo) and one turbodiesel (120 bhp 1.6 JTDM), all from Fiat Powertrain, will be available at launch. The engines are paired with 6-speed manual transmissions.
All the models are Euro 5 ready, and offer CO2 emissions ranging from 126 g/km for the turbodiesel to 153 g/km for the gasoline turbo.
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Study Concludes That Reducing US Transportation Oil Consumption and GHG Will Require a Package of Policies
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| The scenario that resulted in the lowest increase in transport-sector GHG emissions used an economy-wide carbon price beginning at $10/ton CO2, 2% annual improvement in CAFE, and a gasoline and diesel tax increasing at 10% per year in real terms (tax is not recycled back to consumers). Click to enlarge. |
Individual policies, such as the increases in fuel economy standards adopted last year, will not result in significant reductions in US transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions or dependency on oil, according to a new analysis from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
Using a variant of the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS)—NEMS-ETIP—researchers in the Center’s Energy Technology Innovation Policy (ETIP) group modeled a number of policy scenarios using both the US Energy Information Administration’s “reference” case and “high-oil price” reference case. They developed quantitative estimates of the impact of increases in fuel-economy standards similar to those contained in the EISA in combination with the likely impacts of two different economy-wide climate policies and several different kinds of taxes on transportation fuels.
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Renault Introduces New Downsized Engine, Scénic Fuel Cell Prototype, New NOx Trap
June 18, 2008
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| The new TCe 130. |
In a series of announcements related to environmental performance, Renault introduced a new downsized, charged gasoline engine in its TCe line (earlier post), the TCe 130. With a low-inertia turbocharger, this 1.4-liter engine delivers the power of a 1.8-liter and the torque of a 2-liter engine for the fuel consumption of a 1.6-liter unit.
Renault also introduced the Scénic ZEV H2 fuel cell hybrid vehicle prototype, a joint project of the Nissan-Renault Alliance. Nissan supplied the fuel cell stack, the high-pressure hydrogen tank, and lithium-ion batteries. Renault repackaged the Grand Scénic to enable the underbody to incorporate the fuel cell stack, tank and batteries.
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G8 Finance Ministers Call for Energy Efficiency and Diversification, Priority for 2nd-Gen Biofuels
June 14, 2008
In a statement issued at the conclusion of their meeting in Osaka, Japan (13-14 June), the G8 finance ministers expressed strong concern about the sharp rise in oil prices, and called for the energy efficiency of all economies to be further improved along with the diversification of energy sources. The ministers also said it was important to pass on price signals to consumers by reducing subsidies.
Saying that biofuels presented challenges as well as opportunities, the ministers also said that research and development of second-generation production methods for biofuels from non-food material should be a priority.
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Toyota President Outlines Action Plans for Automotive Energy Diversity and Lowering Carbon Footprint
June 11, 2008
Toyota Motor Company (TMC) President Katsuaki Watanabe outlined the company’s new action plans in the areas of research and development, manufacturing and social contribution for promoting energy diversity in automobiles and reducing its carbon footprint.
Hybrid drive technology remains a core strategic element for Toyota, but Watanabe briefly touched on a number of other powertrain and fuel initiatives that Toyota is undertaking, ranging from short-term efficiency gains in gasoline engines to the longer-term focus in areas such as hydrogen and successors to lithium-ion battery technology. These initiatives include:
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IEA Outlines Scenarios for Global CO2 Reduction by 2050; Transportation Emissions Need to Be Cut Eightfold
June 09, 2008
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| Marginal costs increase significantly between the parity-with-today scenario (ACT Map) and the halving scenario (BLUE Map), in its technology optimistic and pessimistic variants. The cost uncertainty increases as well. Click to enlarge. |
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has outlined two scenarios delivering two different levels of reduction of energy-related CO2 emissions by 2050 in its 2008 edition of Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP 2008). One scenario is to return the emissions to the current level by 2050; the other is for a 50% reduction by 2050 from today’s levels.
If governments around the world continue with policies in place to date—the underlying premise in the ETP Baseline scenario to 2050—CO2 emissions will rise by 130% and oil demand will rise by 70%, according to the IEA. This expansion in oil equals five times today’s production of Saudi Arabia.