Everybody Wins With Fuel Efficient Cars Hitting the Market
Fuel efficiency varies highly per vehicle, and now that gas prices have become such an issue many are looking toward cars that will ultimately go easier on their pockets. While the immediate concern may not be the environment, the government is also looking towards fuel efficiency for a safer world.
This year featured several cars that were noted for their fuel efficiency. The auto-industry experienced a benchmark in its endeavor towards electric cars. The Nissan LEAF and the Chevrolet Volt where introduced as two mass-market electric cars.
The most fuel-efficient cars of 2011 didn’t only include pricey electric ones. Popular models like Toyota, SUVs, Lexus, Lincoln and Honda deliver vehicles (some Hybrid) with 30 miles/gallon or more. This year, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) gathered a list of the top ten most fuel efficient cars and all of them are electric.
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The Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the Nissan LEAF top the list. The former has an average fuel consumption equivalence of 2.1L/100km in the city and on the highway. It is available in Australia for $48,000. The later has an average of 2.37L/100km and will launch in Australia in April of 2012.
The EPA recently reported new fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for light vehicles. The EPA Government website thoroughly explains the purpose behind such regulations is “to reduced GHG emissions and improved fuel use” from every kind of vehicle.
The Government responded to the demands they are making regarding these new standards and goals. “…Proposed program for model year 2017-2025 passenger cars and trucks is expected catalyze demand for currently-available, innovative technologies including advanced gasoline engines and transmissions, vehicle weight reduction, lower tire rolling resistance, improvements in aerodynamics, diesel engines, more efficient accessories, and improvements in air conditioning systems.
“The standards should also spur manufacturers to increasingly explore electric technologies such as start/stop, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles [and] … includes a number of incentive programs to encourage early adoption and introduction of “game changing” advanced technologies, such as hybridization for pickup trucks.”
Does this mean everyone will need to purchase an electric car by the year 2017?
Not necessarily. However, there are changes in the government regulations and the auto industry.
According to Jackie Roberts at the Environment Defense Fund, “U.S. auto companies are already investing in these new technologies as the best bet to gain market share in the world economy.”
Everyone wins when it comes to fuel-efficient cars. It has been reported that one can save over $6,000 in fuel over their lifetime when adhering to the changes that have been set.
