Six New Technologies Will Help Manufacturers Reach the 35 MPG Goal (Without Hybrids)
As the automakers scramble to make plans for achieving 35 MPG by 2020, it seems that our suspicions that the task is entirely possible without fancy hybrids or hydrogen cars has been confirmed. The manufacturers been achieving high mileage in Europe and Japan for years now, so I expect to see it in the US eventually. Luckily, there are six exciting new technologies that are going to make it possible in the US.
These technologies are interesting because they come without the paradigm shift that seems to accompany buying a hybrid or a small economy car. Cars equipped with this green tech will be just like any other car, just more efficient.
More on the six new engine technologies after the break.
- » See also: EcoBoost: Ford’s Near-term Answer to Lowering Emissions Without Forfeiting Performance
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- Multistage oil pump: Oil pumps usually only pump oil out through one port, meaning that under every circumstance the pump ends up doing about the same amount of work. Multistage oil pumps, like those that are beginning to be released with some Toyotas, use two oil ports, one small and one larger, to make sure that the amount of oil being pump is optimized based on the operating conditions of the engine. During low-stress operation, only the smallest pump will be used. As the engine is put through its paces, it will switch to the large port, and finally, if you’re really going all out, both ports will open up to allow maximum flow.
- Shortened cylinder head: In the past, cylinder heads have remained a certain height in order to keep the valves aligned in operation. While this presents and issue for shorter cylinder heads (which save weight), guides on the top of the valve springs can be used in conjunction with standard valve guides to ensure smooth operation. The weight difference might not be that dramatic, but at the very least, it will cut down on some materials usage.
- Variable compression ratio: Engines are more efficient at higher compression ratios, but that doesn’t mean it’s always best to be running at the highest compression ratio you can. With that in mind, several manufacturers have begun exploring variable compression ratio engines, where the connecting rod length can be changed using an actuator so that during low-load operation (like driving on the freeway) compression ratio is reduced and fuel economy improves dramatically.
- Guided-spray turbo: The most important thing here is not the turbo, but the method of creating the air-fuel mix in the combustion chamber. The injectors and chamber have been redesigned so that spark plugs are positioned to more efficiently ignite the fuel-air mix and pistons have also been redesigned to create a swirling in the chamber (something that’s been used since Honda since 1992 in fuel economy-conscious engines). Together, all these designs make for incredibly efficient combustion, resulting in impressive power output and comparably good fuel economy numbers.
- Electromagnetic valve actuators: In my opinion, this is probably one of the neatest new technologies out there. By using electromagnets to control the valve train, the camshaft and all its friction losses and rotating mass would be replaced with a system of almost no moving parts that can also precisely control valve timing and adjust it to run the most efficiently in any condition. While expensive, this change could bring up to a 19% improvement in fuel efficiency, and might very well be implemented down the road.
- Hydraulic power electrification: Car makers have already begun this switch-over, as it is one of the most common-sense, and easiest things to do. Beginning with the move from belted radiator fans to electric, car makers have started trying to reduce parasitic loads on the engine. Because electric versions of things like power steering and A/C are more efficient (and run when the engine isn’t on, which is necessary for full hybrids), we’re already starting to see these things popping up on Honda and Toyota hybrid models. Soon manufacturers will be moving even to electric water pumps, which are more efficient and precise.
So, do we at Gas 2.0 anticipate seeing these technologies any time soon, or are they just more pie in the sky stuff that the automakers like to trot out to “prove” they’re “doing something.” Well, several of these we have seen already, and with the automakers scrambling to make 35 MPG in a very unfriendly market, it seems like the cheapest way to do so will be to use some of these tricks rather than trying to upgrade everyone to hybrids. Hopefully we’ll begin seeing these technologies in run-of-the-mill engines sooner, rather than later.
Source: PopMech
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There are some serious flaws in the thinking here.
It has been said, but I must reiterate, CAFE standards mean that the AVERAGE fuel consumption of ALL vehicles manufactured must be 35mpg or better. Statements along the lines of, “My vehicle easily gets x mileage” are irrelevant.
To all those complaining about SUVs & large trucks.
There are many people who have legitimate reasons for
needing such a vehicle. Not everyone drives large vehicles for no good reason.
For those that think vehicles need not be capable of speeds in excess of posted speed limits. I have literally had a gun pulled on me on the highway, I was very happy to be in a car capable of speeds well in excess of 100mph.
Latstly, those touting European and, specifically German autos. I work as a VW & Audi technician, and not taking into account diesels these vehicles don’t get especially impressive fuel consumption numbers. I drive a ‘00 Golf, and I’m very lucky to see 30mpg highway. It IS a 2.8, but for such a small vehicle & relatively low output engine the mileage isn’t great.
A smaller displacement motor is not always the answer. My v8 camaro is capable of 29mpg highway. My friends 05 vett gets 34mpg highway. A 2 liter motor in the same car will not get that. I am now driving my V8 daily because it is cheaper to drive than my v6 nissan.
There is a relativly simple movement that is open source which involves injecting hydroxy gas into your engine. It is still in it’s infancy, but you can get 20%-50% increase in fuel efficiency. Guess what…. it runs on water!
Has anyone here taken into account the Emperial Gallon used in Europe verses US gallon? 4.55 Litres per gallon vs 3.8 Litres per gallon. Hmmmm…
So, you’re wonderfull whatever that gets 40 MPG in the UK would be getting 33 MPG in the states. So quit whining about how bad the US is in regards to MPG and look the math up.
A US car that gets a paltry 25 MPG would get the equivelant of 30 MPG in Europe.
I’m currently an Expat living in the UK from the US and I cannot WAIT to go back to the US and live a decent life again. A place where I don’t constantly hear whining about this or that daily gripe.
Many posted comments are easy to agree with, but I would like to point out several things. America has the EPA, and other government and private groups that force polution controls and safety standards onto cars that restrict efficiency and make them heavier, losing fuel milage. Europe and Asia and the Orient may have some fuel sippers, but they can’t be sold in the States because they don’t meet requirments. This is also why some American experimental cars are not rushed into production, meeting these standards is expensive and adding things to satisfy the government and the insurance companies adds weight.
BTW, I have been to several countries and seen smoke billowing from exhaust pipes.
We have enough cup holders. Engineers need to roll up the old sleeves and create a new propulsion device.
what a load of crap. None of these technologies is “new”. Also, what are you saving, if you save gas but the vehicle contains so much technology that the price of it costs more than the gas y ou save? furthermore, European guy witht he diesel, your van probably is not allowed in this country by regulation..safety, and fuel chemistry. And before you bitch about soccer moms and their hummers burning gas, maybe you should slow down and use less fuel. Seems everyone is in a hurry to condemn the other person and tell the other person what he should drive. Let’s place the blame where it really lies. On Opec and the other oil nations who have created the scarcity. Why do I never see, anyone blaming them for high gas prices and HIGH FOOD PRICES in the developing world. And on the Enviro-nazis in the US who have not let anyone drill, build a nuclear plant, LPG terminal or even wind farms. Then they have caused all the various states to adopt different fuel standards. So now we have each region with its own boutique gasoline.
A truly free market will set the price of fuel and also the size and type of cars without any gov. interference. Why in god’s name would anyone want the gov to stick their nose in anything…they can’t run anything.
Hey Paz,
What you forget is though you get 40 MPG in England the Imperial gallon is 1.2 US Gallons, so you are only getting 33.3 US Gallons.
[...] gas prices continuing to climb, the demand for improved fuel economy will increase as well, and all manner of improvements and upgrades that promise to help get better mileage will be touted. Some offer real benefits; others are pure [...]
If you’re interested in reading more about this, Bob Kruse, GM’s Executive Director for Global Hybrids, Electric Vehicles and Batteries did a chat about the Chevy Volt and the future of 100 mpg cars. You can check out the transcript here:
http://www.gmnext.com/Details/LiveChat.aspx?id=17b7d29b-559f-453e-8d47-c49a9783a88c
Does the selling of North American cars with beautiful women draped over them instead of good spec sheets, bely an underlying wish by the consumer to be screwed in more ways than is obvious or are we just f**king numbed by advertising? I drove a VW Jetta Diesel 300,000 miles without a repair, and got a lifetime average of 42mpg. I never had an American built car do that for me. then, I sold the damn thing for a profit. It still had a trade value! All my Ford, Chryco and GM products were more stylish, none gave me this kind of service. Why?