Rating fuel economy

Is it all about good karma?

Why do people care about fuel economy?

I can largely only think of three things: bragging, altruism, and cost of ownership. And most seem to be driven only by the later and only during gas price spikes.

Finish: Rating fuel economy

Solar Gard your way to cheaper summer fuel costs

Solar Gard clear but effective window coverings that save energy and protect skin.

You step out of the mall one hot summer afternoon and sit down in your car parked in an uncovered parking lot. Even though you blast the air conditioner, it still takes most of the trip home to cool down your vehicle, which means your vehicle is guzzling more gas than normal.

You'd consider tinting your windows, but you prefer the look of clear glass.

No worries.

Sun-blocking window film company, Solar Gard, has a solution that results in a "nearly clear window treatment that helps to beat the heat by limiting the amount of infrared radiation that enters the car," reports the NYTimes.

"Solar Gard, based in San Diego, has been working for several years to perfect a film coating of nanoparticles designed to limit the infrared portion of sunlight that enters the car. The company says that its Ultra Performance window films will do the job while allowing 76 percent of visible light through; with additional layers it can also block out 99 percent of ultraviolet radiation."

Cost is $260 - 290 per vehicle.

And, Solar Gard isn't just for cars, it can also be used on any window in your home, office, etc.

Save energy. Protect your skin. Solar Gard.

Gas saving gadgets that work

Kiwi helps you achieve better fuel economy

I'm sure you've probably received tons of spam telling you how such and such a product can increase your fuel economy. Unfortunately, whenever Consumer Reports or Popular Mechanics tests such products, most products are proven to be pure gimmicks.

In the latest issue of Popular Mechanics they highlight some green gadgets that actually work. Essentially, most devices don't really save gas, they help you change your driving habits to save gas. Click here for the full story.

Ford committed to small cars

The future for Ford?

Ford plans to launch at least a half dozen new small cars in the next few years. Alan Mulally told the Automotive News that he doesn't believe that gas prices - now on the decline - will remain low. Additionally, the KA is still a possibility for the US market.

Alan Mulally, whom specialized in efficiency at Boeing, gives me hope for Ford. Hot on the heels of new information on the incredible fuel economy of the upcoming Fusion hybrid, this small car news demonstrates that Ford is headed in the right direction.

Small cars won't come close to ending foreign oil dependency

The tiny Nissan Versa

Amidst the financial crisis facing America and the inability of a significant percent of Americans to afford, or at least qualify, for a new car loan, a move towards cheaper cars appears necessary. Thus, Nissan has announced that it has reduced the price of its Versa to just $10,685.

For gas-guzzler haters, moving auto buyers into small cars seems like a great idea. Yet, what does it really accomplish?

According to Fueleconomy.gov the Versa achieves only 24 - 27 mpg in the city depending on the version. On the highway, where most vehicles achieve their best fuel economy, the Versa achieves just 31 - 33 mpg.

With the future of transportation a vision of slow, emission-spewing congestion, 27 mpg is not going to cut it. And, even if all Americans drove a Versa, the US would still be heavily dependent on foreign oil.

Sure the Versa is cheap, but that's about it. It might be a small band aide for Nissan in these turbulent times, but it offers nothing for the future.

Could a bailout weaken CAFE standards?

Chevy Cruze delayed

A bailout to help GM and Chrysler merge now seems inevitable. So, why did Cerebrus buy Chrysler? That's right, to make money, and probably at taxpayer expense. Anyway, back to the bailout. It seems there are just too many jobs, healthcare and pension funds at stake for Congress to let the auto industry go under. So, when these companies emerge, one can only assume that means GM will then forever be too big to go under.

Finish: Could a bailout weaken CAFE standards

Hypermiling tools and tricks for hybrid vehicles

Turning it off helps

Hypermiling. It's a favorite word of many hybrid owners striving to best past fuel economy records. Plus, the various energy monitors on many hybrid cars essentially force hypermiling.

Pulse and glide. Drafting. B Gear. Different driving conditions require different hypermiling techniques.

FINISH: Hybrid vehicle fuel economy tips: Hypermiling tools and tricks

Why city fuel economy doesn't matter

Because denial requires commitment

Several weeks ago at GM's Centennial, GM's technology guru, Larry Burns, discussed transportation studies that demonstrated the future for world transportation is slow, congested driving. Already, congestion is a huge American problem, and the idea of the open highway as the average commute has been a work of fiction for decades.

Yet, the auto industry - makers and press - are still fixated on highway fuel economy. Why? Ignorance? Denial? Finish: Why city fuel economy doesn't matter

Fuel Economy: Hybrids, Diesels and the EPA

The EPA's top pick for 2009

I've been ill the last several days, so when I saw the EPA's Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles List last week, I just wasn't very surprised or excited. Hybrids still dominate, especially in the city. Since, however, I've read a few articles noting the significance of the first diesel making the list.

A manual VW Jetta TDI is rated 30 mpg in the city, 41 on the highway. The Toyota Prius is 48 and 45, respectively.

Many diesel fans regularly chide the whole hybrid cars segment as a fad, but when it comes to city driving it's clear, hybrids are easily superior.

In order the list goes: Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid (and Mercury Mariner hybrid, Mazda Tribute hybrid), Smart ForTwo, Toyota Camry hybrid, VW Jetta Diesel Manual, VW Jetta Diesel Automatic, Toyota Yaris Manual, and the Toyota Yaris Automatic.

"Shallow" consumers moving back to gas-guzzlers

Cheaper gas and incentives help sustain SUV sales

“The data over the last few months show consumers are shallow — they’ll go and buy a large SUV when gas prices go down,” states Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis for Edmunds.com.

Finish: "Shallow" consumers moving back to gas-guzzlers

Mazda bringing diesel and start/stop

More than just the Tribute hybrid

In 2009 Mazda will introduce a new clean diesel engine and a new and improved Smart Idle Stop System that is supposed to increase the fuel economy by 10 percent.

Unfortunately, the clean diesel is focused on Europe, so who cares here in America.

The new Mazda Smart Idle Stop System (SISS) is a whole different story. According to Edmunds this new Mazda system could improve fuel economy by 10 percent.

"SISS shuts down the vehicle's engine automatically when the car is stationary. Instead of restarting the engine normally, the SISS system's innovation is that it uses direct-injection technology¿injecting fuel directly into the cylinder while the engine is stopped and then igniting it to generate downward piston forced to restart after a shutdown. This, Mazda says, ensures a smooth experience for the occupants of the vehicle when driving resumes. Engine restarts happen in 0.35 second, Mazda says, thanks to the precise control the SISS system provides."

GM's thermoelectric's program at boiling point?

Using exhaust and wasted energy for power

GM and BMW and close to putting the finishing touches on a new technique to turn wasted energy into extra fuel economy. "Their research into thermoelectrics -- the science of using temperature differences to create electricity," could eventually improve fuel economy by 10 percent using nothing but the hot air from exhaust pipes. (more)

GM's XFE - Is it worthwhile?

How much Extra Fuel Economy?

According to a number of sources, "General Motors will produce for the 2009 model year special fuel economy models of four of its biggest, thirstiest trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups and the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs." Ultimately, the new vehicles will improve city and highway fuel economy by 1 mpg. Obviously, when fuel economy is already low, any extra increase in fuel economy is a good thing, but is one mile per gallon really meaningful?

Turbocharged: An easier path to better fuel economy?

A cheap solution to better fuel economy?

Next year GM will introduce a new 1.4 liter turbocharged gasoline engine for vehicles sold in the US. One of the first possible candidates for the technology is the Chevy Cobalt, however, the technology could also be used in bigger cars.

"You're going to see turbocharged four-cylinders in vehicles that no one could have ever imagined that they would be in," Jim Queen, GM engineering chief told AutoWeek.

Despite fuel economy, diesels don't help global warming?

Black carbon: Diesel's dirty little secret?

Diesel vehicles are more fuel efficient that gasoline vehicles, but despite this fuel economy, they offer no benefits in terms of global warming.

"Because of their increased fuel efficiency relative to gasoline-engined vehicles, diesels are seen as an improvement overs gasoline vehicles with respect to global warming issues. However, once soot warming is factored in, the difference between the two platforms is greatly reduced, as diesel emits more soot than gasoline."

(Source: GreenCarCongress)

News from the Hybridcarblog

Americans love their trucks!

The whole CAFE issue continues to take much of the center stage in the automotive world - at least in terms of the clean and green audience.

Today, however, I say enough to CAFE. Sure, I think increasing CAFE is a step forward, but it is NOT a solution to either foreign oil dependency or global warming. Why can't Americans handle the truth? And, will the real fuel economy activists please stand up? Check out CAFE versus gas taxes, etc. for more.

More hybridcarblog.com stories.

- Sam's Club to sell lithium powered Smart Car?

- EnerDel to unveil lithium batteries

- Hybrid sales drop in September

A step: From SUV to crossover?

Time to kill SUVs

The other day I was walking by a large SUV. It had two bucket seats in front and a row of seating in the second row. As I looked at this very large SUV, I thought, a Prius can haul as many people, legally, and the large SUV doesn't offer much more hauling room.

Certainly, if you have to tow something, the large SUV has a huge advantage over the Prius, but, honestly, how many large SUV owners actually ever tow anything? Not many I bet, at least judging by my neighborhood and the freeways I drive.

Ultimately, these large SUVs are simply a waste of space. Now, I'm not arguing that everyone can fit into a Prius, but many large SUVs are simply unnecessary.

Thus, I was happy to learn that crossover sales are up more than 15 percent so far this year, based on the success of vehicles like the Ford Edge, according to MSNBC.

Just converting from a large SUV into a crossover can easily result in a 10 to 20 percent improvement in fuel economy, and if hybrid or clean diesel technology could be added to these crossovers, a 30 - 40 percent improvement in fuel economy could be achieved.

And, inevitably, are SUV drivers really giving up that much?

Honda improves fuel efficiency of Odyssey

Improved fuel economy

"Honda has also improved its optional Variable Cylinder Management system on the Odyssey, which the company describes as a "more fuel-efficient version" of the original system. The new-generation VCM has the capability to selectively deactivate either two or three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration. Honda says the system is patterned after the one in the 2008 Honda Accord. "The Odyssey's new VCM engine expands the cylinder-deactivation operating range, which helps to increase fuel efficiency in a wider variety of driving conditions and speeds," Edmunds reports.

Congestion: Why hybrids are so important

"Things are bad and they're getting worse," said Alan Pisarski, a transportation expert and the author of "Commuting in America."

According to a new study, traffic in America is increasing, and that traffic is costing Americans - on average - about a work week per year.

Traffic also results in the worst fuel economy and the highest emissions, unless you drive a hybrid, such as a Toyota Prius. For this reason, I feel that the EPA and automakers should highlight city fuel economy, rather than highway fuel economy.

According to experts, the majority of Americans will soon live in urban areas, urban areas like Los Angeles where almost 2 weeks per year are wasted. Unfortunately, there are few solutions for this congestion, which means the problem is only going to get worse and probably significantly worse.

While it's great that a lot of cars achieve 30 mpg on the highway, it's their fuel economy in the city that is becoming ever more important. Hybrid cars, such as the Prius or the Ford Escape hybrid - even the Chevy Tahoe hybrid - provide huge improvements in fuel economy in these conditions.

Sadly, traffic is a problem that took only a few decades to grow out of control, and it will have devastating consequences on fuel economy, foreign oil dependency and global warming if it isn't taken seriously into the next few decades.

Is the Prius a silver bullet for fuel economy?

Is there ever such a thing as a silver bullet?

"We like the Prius here at Motor Trend. A lot. You may recall we made the second-generation version our 2004 Car of the Year, probably one of the most radical choices in the entire history of the award. But -- and let me be crystal clear about this -- despite what the likes of DiCaprio, Al Gore, and Vanity Fair would like you to think, the Prius is not the car that will save the planet," writes Angus Mackenzie.

Thus, Angus claims, there is no silver bullet to fuel economy. While I agree....Finish: Angus like the Prius, but it's not silver bullet to fuel economy

Ron Versus Fuel Economy: Which is more dangerous to the U.S. auto industry?

Time for new leadership?

"We're being told that we must choose between protecting our environment versus protecting our jobs," said UAW president Ron Gettelfinger as he thrust himself into the center of a contentious debate over fuel economy.

So, foreign oil dependency doesn't matter? It's not just the environment, Ronnie, it's National Security. Get with the program! We're not living in the '80's. The world has changed Ron. Unfortunately, you have not.

Oh yeah, you were the Union leader who kicked U.S. soldiers off your parking lot!!!!!!!!

Had the Union, under Ron's leadership, accepted the challenge of foreign oil dependency a decade or two ago, instead of refusing to allow the auto industry any flexibility to change, America might be in a far better situation. Yes, the auto corporations also deserve blame, but the Union has been complicit.

I say F the Union if they can't change, and I say change starts with dumping Ron. America's Unions need a leader with vision, not one that buries his head in the sand to prevent change.

CAFE: Congress and Detroit - Two peas in a pod?

If the Volt is 'technologically feasible' by 2010, then how can 35 mpg not be?

Congress and Detroit. Two peas in a pod? If there was ever a common element between politicians and automakers, it has to be vision. Or, more precisely, a lack thereof.

O.K., the House of Reps. is going to delay any action regarding fuel economy until Fall - something that will make automakers breathe a little easier the next few months. While automakers show off fancy cars, possibly able to achieve 100 mpg by 2012, they also continue to argue that 35 mpg is not 'technologically feasible' by 2020 - a claim I disputed on Tuesday.

Yet, not only is 35 mpg easily 'technologically feasible' by 2020, it is even more economically feasible than not achieving this higher level of CAFE, according to a new study cited by Edmunds.

"Detroit's automakers would collectively earn $14.4 billion by 2017, the study says, under the toughest standards being considered by Congress: a combined car and truck average of 35 mpg by 2018. The U of M auto brain trust calculates that indexing mileage targets to vehicle size wouldn't penalize Detroit with its truck-heavy lineups the way the existing car and truck standards do. Instead, the domestic automakers would be allowed to aim for a lower target — around 33 mpg — while Japanese rivals that are top-heavy with passenger cars might need to average 38 mpg. "

Why doesn't Congress get off its ass and do something meaningful? Forcing, while helping, Detroit to build as many hybrid cars today, while developing tomorrow's plug-in hybrids, seems to be the best thing Congress could do for Detroit - and America.

So, show some vision already!

Isn't 35 mpg easily 'technically feasible' by 2020?

Aren't automakers duping consumers?

A 'technically feasible' approach to fuel economy has become the new buzzword among automakers, including Toyota, the king of hybrid cars. Yet, if a Toyota Prius can achieve almost 50 mpg and a Camry hybrid can achieve more than 40 mpg, then why are automakers fighting even 35 mpg as a new CAFE standard?

The new CAFE standards will not even go into effect until 2020. By then, Toyota, for example, will probably be on at least their 5th generation of hybrid technology. Even hybrid late-comers, such as GM and Ford, will have already moved through multiple generations of hybrid technology.

--> Finish: What is 'technically feasible' fuel economy?

Americans want 35 mpg CAFE standard

Pew finds overwhelming support from voters

A survey conducted in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, Tennessee and Ohio between July 13 and July 20, found that "almost 90 percent of the 3,900 likely voters surveyed favor requiring the automobile industry to improve fuel efficiency" to 35 mpg by 2018.

Those surveyed believe that increasing fuel economy will both reduce gasoline prices and decrease fuel economy. Most surveyed also do not believe that increasing fuel economy would adversely affect the U.S. economy.

Mercedes developing new fuel efficient engine

'DiesOtto' to achieve 40 mpg?

"Mercedes-Benz is working on a new kind of four-cylinder engine that combines features of petrol and diesel motors to generate 238 horsepower," while still achieving around 40 mpg in an S-Class type Mercedes.

"DiesOtto -- the name combines the German words for diesel and petrol engines -- envisions an engine with a displacement of only 1.8 liters, turbocharged for high performance and using petrol direct injection to boost efficiency."

"The idea is to use a spark plug to ignite the fuel/air mixture when starting the engine or at high speed. At low and medium speeds, however, the combustion process works more like that of a diesel engine, which does not use spark plugs," writes Reuters.

Automakers take new approach on fuel economy standards legislation

Automakers want to work with Congress to set "reasonable" standards

According to the DetroitNews, automakers will be starting a new ad campaign regarding proposed legislation to increase fuel economy standards in the U.S..

"We don't have all the answers to questions about reasonable fuel economy standards. No one does. Together, we can find the answers America deserves," the campaign says according to the paper.

So, will automakers and Congress work together to talk a lot and do little to accomplish anything "reasonable" regarding foreign oil dependency?

Fuel economy improving gadgets DO NOT work?

FTC has warned consumers on gas-aiding gadgets

Are you tempted by gadgets on the Internet, or at your local auto parts store, claiming to increase your vehicle's fuel economy? Maybe you've even tried a few?

Well, don't waste your time, experts claim.

"A recent consumer warning from the Federal Trade Commission showed that gas gadgets such as air bleed devices, mixture enhancers and fuel additives rarely pay off. In fact, they're 0-for-93.

The Environmental Protection Agency's Ann Arbor laboratory tested 93 additives, modifications and other products that claim to improve fuel economy. None received the agency's seal of approval. The lab's analysis, spanning 30 years, found 10 devices that showed a small improvement in fuel economy, and four of those increased emissions.

Once again, big isn't so much safer

Safer than a smaller car?

Many drivers of large SUVs and trucks drive such vehicles for safety reasons. While it is understandable that safety might be chosen over fuel economy, is the assumption of bigger is safer as correct as believed?

Recently, I cited an article that demonstrates that small cars are safe - far safer than what many Americans believe. Still, in many types of crashes, large vehicles can perform better. However, if hit from behind, many large trucks and SUVs perform worse than smaller cars. That's right. In some crashes, small vehicles are safer than large vehicles according to a new study.

Ultimately, consumers can pick smaller vehicles to achieve better fuel economy and still be safe.

Using cylinder deaction to trick the EPA?

Does real world fuel economy matter?

An article in USAToday notes that many automakers are now using cylinder deactivation to increase fuel economy.

Great news right?

"Every little bit helps. But I think it's for marketing reasons," says David Champion, director of auto testing for Consumer Reports magazine. He figures the systems are tuned to deliver their biggest benefits during the federal fuel-economy test cycle. That's the test that generates the mileage numbers posted on new vehicles' window stickers.

"We've found that in most driving conditions, it's always in full-cylinder mode, not cutoff," Champion says. "It's a sub-10% improvement, maybe 13 mpg instead of 12" on a big pickup.

Consumer Reports gets fuel-economy readings by splicing a meter into a vehicle's fuel line to "measure the exact amount of fuel consumed in three very strictly controlled tests," he says.

Finally, Chrysler hybrids confirmed

Push towards fuel economy

Well, I was right.

According to Reuters Chrysler has now confirmed that "it would roll out new hybrid vehicles, streamline its cars and trucks and introduce more diesel engines in a bid to improve the fuel economy of its product line-up."

Chrysler's 2008 hybrid vehicles, much like GM, will probably focus on large SUVs - an ideal platform for the dual mode hybrid powertrain that the two automakers developed together. Thus far, Chrysler has confirmed the Dodge Durango hybrid and the Aspen hybrid.