Improving vehicle fuel economy: A critical need

Journal Article · · Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States)

OSTI ID:7243008

Bleviss, D L ^[1]

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1. International Inst. for Energy Conservation, Washington, DC (United States)

Driven by sharply rising gasoline prices in the 1970s, Americans demanded and got smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient cars. As a result, the average fuel economy of new cars doubled, from 14 to 28 miles per gallon (mpg). Ironically, this success produced an oil glut that lowered gasoline prices and increased the demand for larger cars, bringing on the threat of yet another oil crisis. Better fuel economy is feasible, the author claims, pointing to prototype cars developed in Europe that average 60 mpg in the city and 75 mpg on the highway. To achieve better gasoline mileage, she advocates a 3-tiered strategy: (1) a new cooperative research program involving government and industry, such a program must extend into development and application as well; (2) new fuel-economy standards designed to encourage manufacturers to bring fuel-efficiency technology to the market, new automobile fleets that average 45 mpg and new light-truck fleets that average 35 mpg by 2000 should be possible; and (3) the final tier involves incentives to lure consumers to the more fuel-efficient vehicles. Higher fuel prices, an effective gas guzzler tax, and innovative rebates for the purchase of gas sippers are among her suggestions.

• OSTI ID: 7243008
• Journal Information: Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States), Journal Name: Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States) Vol. 5:1; ISSN 0887-8218; ISSN FARPE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
291000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320203* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Transportation-- Land & Roadway
AUTOMOBILES
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FUEL CONSUMPTION
NORTH AMERICA
RECOMMENDATIONS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
STANDARDS
USA
VEHICLES