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ORNL study finds best current use of natural gas for cars is efficient production of electricity for EVs

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However, they also noted, high PTW efficiencies and the moderate fuel economies of current compressed natural gas vehicles (CNGVs) make them a viable option as well. The study investigated the the WTW energy and emissions from the use of natural gas in CNGVs with a range of CNGV fuel economy and natural gas compressor efficiency.

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U-M study finds current CAFE standards create profit incentive for larger vehicles

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The current vehicle footprint-based Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards create a financial incentive for automakers to increase vehicle size, except under certain limited conditions of consumer preference for vehicle size, according to a study by University of Michigan researchers Kate Whitefoot and Steven Skerlos.

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Chrysler Group withdraws test PHEV fleet to upgrade battery packs after overheating issues; to use a different chemistry

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Chrysler said that a different battery chemistry will be used in the projects’ next phase, which will focus on grid interaction and improved safety. Some of the fleet’s plug-in pickups are capable of transferring power from their batteries to the grid, which could generate revenue for fleet operators.

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ORNL researchers use stop-light cameras to reduce fuel consumption of less-efficient vehicles via traffic management

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Once vehicle-classification labels were applied using commercial software, and DOE fuel-economy estimates added, the team had a unique dataset to train a convolutional neural network for vehicle identification. Gee, “Estimating Vehicle Fuel Economy from Overhead Camera Imagery and Application for Traffic Control.”

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Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid PHEV averages 4.4 l/100 km (53.4 mpg US) during test drives

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mpg US) averaged over all drives. The lowest fuel consumption value recorded on the circuit course for the Panamera plug-in hybrid was 2.8 l/100 km (84 mpg US). NEDC testing indicates combined cycle fuel consumption of 3.1 mpg US) for the PHEV, with accompanying CO 2 emissions (combined) of 71 g/km. l/100 km (53.4

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Former Commerce and Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta urges technology neutral policies in reaching proposed CAFE standards

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Current fuel economy policy clearly demonstrates this fact. —“The Case for Technology Neutral Public Policy in Fuel Economy Debate”. The quickest and most cost-effective way to achieve our energy usage goals is through faster adoption of fuel-efficient downsized gasoline and diesel engines.

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ALABC lead-acid UltraBattery Civic hybrid surpasses 100,000 miles of fleet duty

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Monthly fuel economy of the retrofitted Honda Civic during the first 9 months of the fleet test. DOE researchers attributed the significant fuel economy reduction for May, June, and July as most likely being due to significant mountain driving and the likely use of the vehicle’s air conditioning. Source: DOE.

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