Thirteen automakers are agreeing to a plan for new fuel economy standard of 54.5 miles per U.S. gallon (4.3L/100km) by 2025. In the U.S.t, fuel taxes are relatively low and CO2 limits are not even discussed. Instead, regulations specify the minimum acceptable sales-weighted average fuel economy all automakers must meet. The Obama administration’s ambitious plan—and the industry accord—for improved fuel efficiency represents in my opinion the single most important step the USA has ever taken as a nation to reduce their dependence on foreign oil. In Europe, the switch to smaller cars has been much more significant.
In 2009 the European Parliament passed new car CO2 legislation that sets a cap of 130 g/km averaged over all new vehicles produced by each manufacturer by 2015. This regulation is structurally similar to the U.S. rule and is the equivalent of 5.43 liters/100 km (or 43.2 miles per US gallon) for gasoline engines. The higher fuel economy requirements will save drivers trillions of Euros, Dollars, and Pounds. And the ripple effects could enormously boost US and EU Gross Domestic Product. Obviously LEDs and other high-efficiency, high-efficacy lighting will play a key role in realising tomorrow’s highly efficient new vehicles. Let’s do it!
Sincerely yours
Hector Fratty
DVN General Editor