The automobile industry is a very big part in everyday life all over the world. As the years pass and newer models of cars come out, there have been many modifications to increase gas mileage. With gas prices constantly going up people are looking to have more fuel efficient cars so they don’t spend as much on gas. The automobile industry must make changes to meet this need.
In 2012, the Obama administration had rules set that by 2025, each car will need to get 54.5 miles per gallon. To most this may seem impossible. It is possible, and would be a lot better for the economy. Although, this is not exact realistic for EVERY car. The average mileage will most likely be 40 miles per gallon. “Automakers can reduce the mileage they’re required to get with credits for selling natural gas and electric vehicles, changing air conditioning fluid to one that pollutes less, and adding stop-start circuits that temporarily shut off the engine at stop lights” (Krisher, Fuel Efficiency Standards). With hybrid cars, there has been a lot more efficiency. Not as much gas needs to be used, and a lot of dealerships are finding that they can sell them for the low gas mileage.
“Building a more fuel-efficient car no longer follows the familiar smaller-is-better blueprint that spawned the proliferation of subcompacts” (Leiser, Auto Industry Makes Strides Toward Improving Fuel Economy). Smaller cars aren’t now the only thing that creates less gas mileage. If the engine is smaller, it will use less fuel, but that does not mean the car itself must be smaller. Lighter moving parts are also being used, such: lighter connecting rods or lighter pistons. Direct injection is also being used. An idea from diesel technology, gasoline is inserted directly into the cylinder block instead of the intake manifold. This allows for optimal fuel atomization, therefore resulting in optimal fuel mileage.
One more way is echo mode. This only allows you to reach a certain RPM so that not too much fuel is used. There is a simple button (eco button), and that electronically controls the shift points within the transmission. It restricts the RPM of the engine, because with a lower RPM, less gas mileage is used. It helps the car shift sooner so that the car does not waste gas.
cferBanerjee, Neela. “Auto Industry Fights Fuel Efficiency Standards.” Chicago Tribune. N.p., 20 July 2011. Web. 19 Sept. 2014.
Krisher, Tom. “Fuel Efficiency Standards: Obama Administration Finalizes New Regulations For Cars And Trucks.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 28 Aug. 2012. Web. 19 Sept. 2014.
Leiser, Ken. “Auto Industry Makes Strides toward Improving Fuel Economy : Business.” Stltoday.com. N.p., 24 Jan. 2014. Web. 19 Sept. 2014.
I like how you gave the other side of the story on Obama’s 2025 automobile guidelines and regulations. Many will not say how his 2025 regulations are an unrealistic goal of the automobile company. I liked the point you made, “If the engine is smaller, it will use less fuel, but that does not mean the car itself must be smaller.” I also liked how you researched different engines for example the effects on a diesel engine. You were very informed about engines and the way they work. Lastly, I liked how you correlated fuel and RPM’s. Informative blog!