So much time has passed since cars were first made. They have continued to be remade and improved. Although, cars aren’t the only things that have changed. Technology and standards have also made changes with the passage of time.
With time, people have become more aware of consequences that can potentially arise from their actions, and will most likely get worse if left attended. This is most likely where the stricter standards come in place, and while they don’t directly help increase gas mileage, they help push for it. For if the standards had remained as lax as they were decades ago, cars today would probably be so much different.
As it is, they are what they are today, and continue on more positive path. Technology has helped shape the cars further along that direction. Things such as batteries and complex engines are more readily available. They help to lessen the amount of gas used.
Technology isn’t the only thing to help lessen the need for fuel. Car design and weight also come into play as well. A more aerodynamic design produces less drag, allowing the car to go to higher speeds without consuming more fuel. Weight also creates it’s own drag, and less weight equates to less consumption. Of course there are big and small cars, with small cars being the big choice to go with when considering gas mileage, as they will obviously weigh less than big cars. This can easily be managed by using lighter materials to make the cars, which really help both big and small cars.
Overall, everything is evolving all at once, some faster than others. Although what really matters is the future. These changes create a sort of safeguard, where the will be less pollution, and a lesser need for fuel.
Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/12/13/cars-in-the-u-s-are-more-fuel-efficient-than-ever-heres-how-it-happened/
http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/auto-industry-makes-strides-toward-improving-fuel-economy/article_2d050408-95db-561b-97fc-b84c708829d4.html
http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/auto-industry-makes-strides-toward-improving-fuel-economy/article_2d050408-95db-561b-97fc-b84c708829d4.html
I think if we could increase the average MPG to 54 by 2025 would be amazing and would save people thousands in the long run. I read that the Toyota Prius is at about 48-50 miles per gallon so its safe to say that they are well on their way to hitting that goal. I think the only problem is not too many people like the look of the Prius (or any similar car, for the same fact) so they are going to still buy these better looking cars that don’t get as many miles per gallon.