Research: The light vehicle fuel efficiency report (2nd edition)
Date published: Thursday, June 10, 2010
Description
The automotive industry is currently coming under constant pressure to help reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that result from the combustion of fossil fuels. Fortunately, the technologies that will help the industry to achieve this goal are manifold, although not necessarily easy or inexpensive to pursue. Some, such as hybrid drivetrains, common-rail injection systems, the use of lightweight materials and efficient transmissions are well developed and are already achieving increasing market penetration and production volumes. Others, such as controlled auto-ignition in gasoline engines present far-reaching challenges.
Table of contents:
Table of contents
List of figures & tables
Executive summary
Introduction
Market drivers
Regulations
The United States
Europe
Japan
Other countries
Incentives
Taxation regimes
Consumer preferences
Market barriers
Cost
The United States
Europe
Market mix
United States
Europe
Diesel versus gasoline
Fuel efficiency progress
Technology developments
Engines
Supercharging
Variable valve operation
Direct fuel injection
Exhaust gas recirculation
Miller/Atkinson combustion cycles
Stratified charge combustion
Critical fuel combustion
Homogeneous charge compression ignition
Ignition systems
Stop-start
Cylinder deactivation
Thermal management
Variable geometry
Radical designs
Efficient ancillaries
Integrated starter-generator
Belt-driven alternator starter
Power steering
Air conditioning
Transmissions
Manuals and automated manuals
Planetary automatics
Continuously-variable transmissions
Other powertrain advances
Weight reduction
Steel
Cast iron
Aluminium
Magnesium
Plastics
Hybrid construction
Fabrics
Aerodynamics
Tyres
Low rolling resistance
Tyre pressure monitoring systems
Lighting
Alternative electricity generation
Regenerative battery charging
Shock absorbers
Exhaust heat
Friction reduction
Driver aids
