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New Fuel Economy Standards do not Reach Current Clean Diesel Efficiency Numbers Even Beyond 2020
The New York Times reported recently on new regulations imposed by the Obama administration on light-duty automobile efficiency. By 2011 cars will have to deliver an average fuel economy of 30 mpg or about 8L/100 km. By 2020 the current rules on the books would require an average economy of 35 mpg or about 7.7L/100km. The new Jetta TDI Clean Diesel exceeds these standards – today.
I am, however, quite optimistic about the automobile industry and future efficiency gains. I believe car companies will blow these new standards out of the water. I think most of us realize building hyper-efficient vehicles (compared to the very inefficient installed base today) is within the grasp of the industry. Consumers are almost expecting it now. Why?
With the new TDI Clean Diesel and alternative hybrid systems currently available on the market, we are already capable of putting 50 mpg / 4.8L/100 vehicles (hwy) in our driveways. You can kick the tires on these at showrooms today. These are not concept cars.
Furthermore, it’s very likely that carbon and the related costs associated (both financial and environmental) with these emissions will remain at the forefront of global political decision-making for the mid-term. The momentum towards carbon reduction will prompt further development of machines and buildings that emit less. Emitting less is about energy efficiency and the true costs of consuming energy, particularly energy derived from fossil sources.
If we go down this efficiency path over the next decade, as I fully expect we will, the Times in March of 2020 just might report about the personal mobility industry (the car business of yesterday) as a good example of responsible innovation.
Can you imagine that?
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