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When it comes to fuel economy, the average American automobile has been stuck in a rut. Today’s typical car, truck or crossover is larger, more powerful and better equipped than it was a decade ago, but with a few notable exceptions, it’s delivering about the same mileage.
That’s about to change, however. Federal lawmakers had already approved an increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standard, but in a breakthrough compromise that has automakers and environmentalists both singing its praises, the Obama administration has authorized changes that will bring even better mileage to the market faster.
The downside is that to deliver an average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, the typical vehicle is likely to cost at least $1,300 more than it does today. But considering the anticipated increase in fuel prices, industry analysts believe most motorists will still come out ahead – and that doesn’t even factor in the benefit to the environment from the reduction in global warming CO2 emissions.
Subtle revisions in the rules require that all vehicles, big and small, get better mileage, and not just the largest, gas-guzzling trucks. In fact, that was a key factor that won widespread support. Yes, the revised CAFE rule anticipates that many American motorists will downsize a bit, but it’s not meant to kill off pickups and SUVs, nor force you to trade in your minivan for a microcar.
How the auto industry will get there remains to be seen. But expect to see an increase in the use of lightweight materials, whether aluminum or composites, as well as advanced powertrain systems. Most vehicles by 2016 will likely have Stop/Start technology that automatically shuts the engine off at a light and quickly starts it back up when you step back on the accelerator. Full hybrid technology is expected to become much more common, as well.
Not long ago, automakers, domestic and foreign alike, insisted the numbers couldn’t be met. Now they’ve all signed on. That’s good news for both American motorists and the environment.
Paul A. Eisenstein is an award-winning journalist who has spent more than 30 years covering the global auto industry. His work appears in a wide range of publications worldwide, and he is a frequent broadcast commentator on subjects automotive.
CAFE
What is CAFE? The Corporate Average Fuel Economy establishes government standards for fuel efficiency. It started in 1975 as part of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
What is the standard now? The average for cars is 27.5 mpg.
What is Obama’s proposal? The average for cars would be 35.5 mpg by 2016.
When it comes to fuel economy, the average American automobile has been stuck in a rut. Today’s typical car, truck or crossover is larger, more powerful and better equipped than it was a decade ago, but with a few notable exceptions, it’s delivering about the same mileage.
That’s about to change, however. Federal lawmakers had already approved an increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standard, but in a breakthrough compromise that has automakers and environmentalists both singing its praises, the Obama administration has authorized changes that will bring even better mileage to the market faster.
The downside is that to deliver an average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, the typical vehicle is likely to cost at least $1,300 more than it does today. But considering the anticipated increase in fuel prices, industry analysts believe most motorists will still come out ahead – and that doesn’t even factor in the benefit to the environment from the reduction in global warming CO2 emissions.
Subtle revisions in the rules require that all vehicles, big and small, get better mileage, and not just the largest, gas-guzzling trucks. In fact, that was a key factor that won widespread support. Yes, the revised CAFE rule anticipates that many American motorists will downsize a bit, but it’s not meant to kill off pickups and SUVs, nor force you to trade in your minivan for a microcar.
How the auto industry will get there remains to be seen. But expect to see an increase in the use of lightweight materials, whether aluminum or composites, as well as advanced powertrain systems. Most vehicles by 2016 will likely have Stop/Start technology that automatically shuts the engine off at a light and quickly starts it back up when you step back on the accelerator. Full hybrid technology is expected to become much more common, as well.
Not long ago, automakers, domestic and foreign alike, insisted the numbers couldn’t be met. Now they’ve all signed on. That’s good news for both American motorists and the environment.
Paul A. Eisenstein is an award-winning journalist who has spent more than 30 years covering the global auto industry. His work appears in a wide range of publications worldwide, and he is a frequent broadcast commentator on subjects automotive.
CAFE
What is CAFE? The Corporate Average Fuel Economy establishes government standards for fuel efficiency. It started in 1975 as part of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
What is the standard now? The average for cars is 27.5 mpg.
What is Obama’s proposal? The average for cars would be 35.5 mpg by 2016.
