One way of regulating and improving gas milage comes through government legislation. Infact, it was the Engergy Tax Act of 1978, that first levied penalties against “gas guzzlers” who failed to meet new minimum standards of fuel economy. The cooperation of the auto companies with government demands was slow to develop. The Energy Tax Act itself was phased in over a lengthy ten year period, although penalties increased over that time.
In recent years, the auto companies have largely accepted the need for significant regulation of fuel economy by recognizing and abiding to frequently updated quotas and limitations.
More recently, the process of determining fuel economy in automobiles has been made more acute. The innovation of “Highway v. City” driving has sharpened the tools with which scientists establish reasonable limits on specific vehicles. The benifets of this process, are seen when the EPA is able to test a vehicles fuel economy and represent its real world impact more accurately.
In addition tocooperating with the research and subsequent rules of agencies like the NTSB, and the EPA, the automotive industry is trying to imrpove gas milage with technology.
“Start-Stop” technology allows drivers to remain stationary without using up precious gasoline. The times we waste the most gasoline, ironically, are usually when we are not driving. Sitting in traffic, at a light, letting the engine run in neutral or park, or even starting up a cold engine are all ways in which gasoline is wasted without the reward of movement or power. Start-stop technology uses hyrdaulics and electricity to assuage the work load of the engine during these wasteful periods. The start-stop technology being used in some newer Ford cars allows the engine to effectively regulate, or even terminate the consumption of gasoline by the engine, and with the use of hydraulics and creative electrical design, the vehicle retains is potential for acceleration and “dart” like manuevers.
In a similar technological vein are the CVT transmissions seen in cars like the Subaru Outback, and Nissan Altima. CVT stands for, “Continuously Variable Transmission”. The CVT performs a traditional job of the basic transmission, distributing torque and speed. But, CVT doen’t have a set number of gears, it has an “infinite amount of gear ratios” which allow it to constantly determine and distrubutethe right amount of torque for peak efficiency.This means drivers never have to shift gears, the CVT is constantly adjusting output and distrubution for greater fuel efficience AND a smoother ride.
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References :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmission_(mechanics)#Automotive_basics
http://cars.about.com/od/thingsyouneedtoknow/a/CVT.htm
http://arstechnica.com/features/2012/10/the-road-ahead-how-well-get-to-54-5-mpg-by-2025/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuously_variable_transmission
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_economy_in_automobiles