US vehicle fuel economy up, CO2 down, with EV on the horizon

A 14 per cent per mile drop of CO2 emissions over the last six years has been achieved in the US following an increase in auto fuel economy standards, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report shows.

A reduction in gasoline use by 16 per cent has also been recorded since the new plans were put in place. The EPA report states that CO2 emissions have decreased yearly since 2005 while fuel economy has increased, reversing the trend of the last eight years.

Average CO2 emissions fell by 64 grams per mile in the last six years, while vehicle fuel economy rose by 3.1 miles per gallon (mpg) to 22.4 mpg, the report presents. The numbers are expected to continue improving following further standards made this year, which will include the first ever efficiency targets for medium and heavy duty trucks.

In May, President Barack Obama secured the new targets for model-year 2014-18 lorries, hoping to reduce their emissions by 20 per cent by 2018. The administration also introduced new fuel regulations for passenger vehicles in April.

These will require a 30 per cent decrease in carbon emissions and a 40 per cent increase in auto fuel efficiency, amounting to 35 miles per gallon by 2016. According to the EPA, the rules could potentially save the average buyer of a 2016 model year car 3,000 dollars over the life of the vehicle.

Nationally it could conserve about 1.8 billion barrels of oil, subsequently reducing nearly a billion tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the lives of the vehicles covered. The rapid move to improve standards was motivated by California's intentions to impose its own emissions regulations.

The concern in industry is that without firm commitment from Washington, the door would be opened to competing standards across regions, which would complicate product planning and add considerable costs.

In accordance with renewable energy targets, the new stringent plan includes support for the development of electric vehicles and the use of other alternative, green transport options. The US intends to account for up to 40 per cent of the electric car battery market by 2015, President Barack Obama announced in August.

Automakers like General Motors Co. and Nissan are battling to be the first to introduce electric cars. On February 3, 2010, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalised revisions to the National Renewable Fuel Standard, with a new rule (RFS2).

RFS2 classifies renewable fuels according to four nonexclusive categories, based on GHG-reduction thresholds and feedstock types, and sets volumetric requirements for each.

The 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) sets the total renewable fuel volume target for 2010 at 12.95 billion gallons. Further to the regulations in place from the US Government, the EPA and the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) are planning to improve the information provided by fuel economy labels on vehicles.

This will be done by incorporating energy and environmental comparisons across vehicle types. The scheme includes electric vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and conventional gasoline/diesel vehicles. As required by the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, information provided will include ratings on greenhouse gas emissions, other air pollutants and fuel economy.

By directing efforts to green cars, the plans of both the US Government and the EPA provide increased clarity to individuals and companies with regard to the most environmentally responsible vehicles on the market in real terms, concerning harmful emissions via vehicle handling. The push by the US administration to improve vehicle fuel economy standards looks set to decrease CO2 emissions and contribute to the fight against global warming, offering a positive example to China and the rest of the world. The desirable economics of the scheme are anticipated to raise ambitions for corporations and nations alike.

Author: Marianna Keen | Climate Action

Image: kevindooley/ Flickr