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Objectives
 Describe why fuel economy must be
considered
 Describe how fuel economy improvements
may benefit health and the environment
 Explain the economic benefits of improved
fuel economy
 Describe how fuel economy affects energy
security
 Explain how to easily implement fuel economy
strategies
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Why Consider Fuel Economy?
 A measure of how efficiently a vehicle uses
fuel
 Miles per gallon (MPG)
 Specific tests used to
determine ratings
 Affected by vehicle
design and operation
Figure 1: Rising fuel prices. Source: NAFTC.
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 Technologies and strategies
 Many fuel saving strategies can be
implemented at no cost
 Required vehicle maintenance
 Aftermarket products often do not work
 Driving habits
 Fuel economy of a vehicle not in motion is
0 MPG
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What Affects Fuel Economy?
 Engine and vehicle design
 Fuel is used to create energy
 Road load equation shows where power is
consumed
 Fuel consumption increases as engine power
increases
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Manufacturer
 Must meet emissions requirements and fuel
economy requirement
 Advances in vehicle technology
 Transmission advances (i.e.
CVT)
 Vehicle weight and size
 Vehicle aerodynamics
Figure 2: Cutaway engine attached to a CVT. Source:
Nissan Global.
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Consumers
 Fuel economy is greatly affected by how the
driver operates the vehicle
 Strategies to improve fuel economy
 Each strategy may contribute a small amount
Figure 3: Body style changes in the already fuel efficient Prius has reduced its aerodynamic resistance at highway speeds. Source: NAFTC.
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Information from the U.S. Department
of Energy, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy (EERE) on fuel
economy information can be found
online at
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ or by
phone at 1-877-377-3463.
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Advantages of Fuel Economy
Improvements
 Immediate fuel price savings
 Less petroleum consumption in the U.S.
 Research will create domestic job
opportunities
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Additional Points to Consider
 Purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles can
become costly
 Strategies may not be applicable for heavyduty applications
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Fuel Economy Benefits
 Fuel efficient vehicles offer many benefits
 Reduced petroleum consumption
 Far-reaching benefits
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Health Benefits




Decreased amounts of harmful emissions
Emissions may lead to respiratory illness
PM may be carcinogenic
Efficient vehicles will produce fewer of
these emissions
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Environmental Benefits
 Fewer emissions
 Emissions may lead to the formation of
smog and acid rain
 Fuel consumption goes up, CO2 emissions
go up
 Decreased GHG emissions
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Did You Know?
The Federal Trade Commission has several tips for
consumers to save money:
• At the pump, check the owner’s manual for the
most effective octane level
• In the garage, stay up to date on maintenance of
the vehicle
• When shopping around, be skeptical about any
gizmo that promises to improve gas mileage
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Economic Benefits
 Higher efficiency = lower fuel costs
 Many strategies can be implemented at no
charge to the driver
 Government mandated emissions and fuel
economy standards
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To calculate fuel costs and compare
savings for two vehicles, take a look
at:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/savemoney.shtml
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Energy Security Benefits
 About half of all oil consumed in the U.S. is
imported
 Stimulates economies outside of the U.S.
 Reduced dependence on foreign oil
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Fuel Economy – Today and Tomorrow
 EPA tracks emissions for all vehicles
 CAFE regulations
 Fuel economy of vehicle’s today is about
72% higher compared to 1975
 Increased standards put in place by the
Obama administration
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The Future of Fuel Economy
 Target economies of 35.5 MPG by 2016 and
54.5 MPG by 2025
 Advances in vehicle technologies
 HEVs and EVs
 Price and availability limitations
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Suggested Actions






Slow down
Tire pressure
Weight
Air conditioning
Rerouting
Maintenance
Figure 4: Proper tire inflation instructions. Source: fueleconomy.gov.
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After completing this material, can
you:
 Describe why fuel economy must be considered?
 Describe how fuel economy improvements may
benefit health and the environment?
 Explain the economic benefits of improved fuel
economy?
 Describe how fuel economy affects energy
security?
 Explain how to easily implement fuel economy
strategies?
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Test Your Knowledge
1. True or False: The fuel economy of a
conventional vehicle idling while it sits in
traffic is 0 mpg.
2. How much has the average fuel economy
increased since 1975?
3. Increase in fuel consumption leads to a
direct increase in __________ emissions.
4. True or False: General maintenance such
as changing air filters and fuel filters do not
benefit fuel economy.
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