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Study Assesses Product Attribute Trade-offs and Technological Progress; Meeting Proposed Obama Fuel Economy Standards Will Require Downsizing and Change in Fleet Mix

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Changes in the attributes (clockwise from upper left, weight, power, fuel economy and torque) of the Honda Accord over time as an example of fleet trends in the US. In contrast, fuel economy actually increased by 15% during that period. Knittel, 2009. Click to enlarge. Knittel, 2009. Knittel, Christopher R.

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Google and IEEE launch $1M challenge for downsized inverters

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Google and the IEEE have launched the Littlebox Challenge—an open competition to design and build a small kW-scale inverter with the highest power density (of at least 50 W/in 3 , or 3.05 kW/L) in an enclosure of less than 40 in 3 in volume (0.66L). USABC Electrical and Electronics Technical Team Roadmap (June 2013).

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A123: Increasing 48V battery power up to ~25 kW enables advanced mild hybrid capabilities with greater fuel savings

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Improving battery power to such as level would further enable hybridization to near-HEV levels as well as engine downsizing, thereby enabling fuel economy improvements beyond the current 10-15% MHEV limit. Finally, partial hybridization using the 48V powertrain may be integrated to improve fuel economy. —Abdellahi et al.

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Navigant forecasts global road transportation energy consumption to increase 25% by 2035; 84% from conventional fuels

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The shape and form of road transportation alternative fuels markets vary greatly by region, largely influenced by government regulations, local resources, infrastructure, and fuel prices. Relatively modest incremental fuel economy improvements of 2 mpg to 3 mpg per vehicle can have significant impacts on global oil demand.

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New 4-cylinder 2.3L EcoBoost on Lincoln MKC small SUV; future EcoBoost prospects

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Ford says the engine can deliver up to 15% better fuel economy than comparable six-cylinder engines. Turbo lag is virtually eliminated for quicker response when the driver needs power for passing while enabling the exhaust valve to stay open longer for lower emissions and up to 15% better fuel economy than comparable six-cylinder engines.

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Westport and GTI awarded $900,000 to advance natural gas combustion technology; ESI with high frequency corona discharge ignition

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The technology enables a “downsized” natural gas solution that is cost-competitive while providing similar levels of power, torque, and fuel economy to a larger diesel engine. Westport will contribute approximately $250,000 in additional funds for a total of $1.15

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GM to double models with 40 mpg highway or better by 2017; ongoing manufacturing efficiency improvements

Green Car Congress

Describing its product goals and tracking progress toward its 2020 manufacturing priorities in its 2012 Sustainability Report , General Motors reaffirmed its commitment to further reduce the energy used and the environmental impacts of building and operating an automobile. Earlier post.). Manufacturing energy use and emissions.

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