Fuel Economy is the number of miles a vehicle gets per unit of fuel consumed. It is calculated by dividing the number of miles covered by the number of gallons of fuel consumed. Fuel economy is a major concern area in the energy scenario of the world. The high consumption of fuel by vehicles has led to high consumption of energy resources. This in turn has resulted in the escalation of fuel prices around the world.
One of the major initiatives that need to be taken in this regard is the development of energy efficient vehicles with high fuel economy. Fuel thirst vehicles have significant adverse effects on the environment apart from raising the demand for fuel. In a significant move in the United States, the administration has proposed in April 2008 that by the year 2015 new generation cars and trucks should achieve a fleet average of 31.6 miles per gallon of fuel consumed. Rising prices of gasoline and global warming have been the major considerations of the US administration in bringing up this proposal.
Investments undertaken to increase the fuel economy can yield certain advantages to an economy. It would lead to creation of jobs in the economy. Furthermore it would lead to savings on fuel cost for the people. Many countries need to import fuel to meet domestic demands.
Increased fuel economy would reduce the need to import fuel. Moreover it would also have a positive impact on the environment of the country.
In the United States of America the CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards were established in 1975. These were put into effect as a result of the oil embargo of 1973. Increasing fuel economy is not an easy task. However with proper policies and efficient engineering initiatives fuel economy can be increased.
Some of the major advantages of better fuel economy are –
Controlling greenhouse gasses - fossil fuels emit greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere when they are burnt. A better fuel economy would lead to lesser use of fuel and would therefore help in controlling the emission of greenhouse gasses.
Controlling air pollution – Vehicle mission is a major source of air pollution. A better fuel economy would lead to lesser consumption of fuel and therefore lesser air pollution.
Lower energy conservation – Increased fuel economy leads to lower energy consumption thereby reducing dependency on fuel imports for many countries.
Savings for consumers – While vehicles with increased fuel efficiency could cost a bit more, these vehicles would lead to high savings in terms of fuel consumption when used for a long time.
Improved fuel economy can be ensured by proper regulatory measures on the part of governments across the world. Often auto-manufacturers do not invest in cost-effective