Yesterday we looked at the technologies that are most likely to be adopted in the near term to improve fuel efficiency.

Here is how much various technologies can improve fuel economy.

Diesel Engine  25% - 30%

Gasoline Direct Injection plus Turbocharging up to 12%

Dual-clutch transmission up to 10%

Cylinder deactivation 7%

Continuously variable valve timing 5%

Stop-start system 5%

5 speed automatic transmissions 3% - 4%

- Automotive News, November 3, 2008

Now, let’s look at the cost of these technologies as projected by the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA).

Here is how much these technologies will add to the price of a car.

Diesel Engine $1,000 - $3,000

Gasoline Direct Injection plus Turbocharging  $122 - $810

Dual-clutch transmission (continuously variable transmission) $100 - $139

Cylinder deactivation $203 - $229

Continuously variable valve timing Cost not available

Stop-start system $1800 - $2,000

5 speed automatic transmissions $76 - $167

Based on the cost versus the fuel mileage gain, it appears that Gasoline Direct Injection plus Turbocharging has the best profile.

Ford Motor Company is introducing a system called EcoBoost that combines gasoline direct injection and turbocharging.  Here is a video (kind of dry) about the system:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVncFb7GMOs

Here are some videos about what to look for when you are shopping for a new car:

http://endependence.info/research/videos-c-1-v-20.html

http://endependence.info/research/videos-c-1-v-8.html

The technology is out there.  If the government (meaning the taxpayers) is going to help the Big 3 (Detroit 3) automakers, we should insist that they bring these and other energy saving technologies to market in the short term.

No matter how well we plan for a future freed from the burden of fossil fuel dependence, we are going to be stuck with the stuff for a while.

As our stationary and mobile energy challenges are solved by moving to electricity generated by renewable energy sources that can be used for both buildings and transportation, we are going to be using coal, oil and natural gas.

http://endependence.info/research/videos-c-1-v-6.html

We can all start to save energy in both sectors.  Estimates are that we could use 30% less energy simply by eliminating waste.

Here is a funny video about the reaction of some to the concept of saving gasoline by driving fuel efficient cars.

http://endependence.info/research/videos-c-1-v-42.html

A recent article in “Automotive News” shows the steps that will be taken by the automobile manufacturers to meet increasing mileage standards (CAFE - corporate average fuel economy). (more…)