History of Fuel Economy

One can hardly believe that this is really taking place now! This week the House is expected to vote on the so called Energy Bill.

35 miles per gallon - New Standard for 2020
In the last days of November the congressmen announced a new document that is expected to cause the first noticeable improvements for the US vehicles, SUVs and trucks. According to the agreement the fuel economy standards will be raised up to at least 35 mpg. by 2020 which is 10 miles per gallon more if compared with current standards. Now these standards are to be turned into law by Congress and the president.
UCS clean vehicles program’s research director, Said David Friedman, considers this to be a great victory in long struggle for cheaper gasoline which is to save around $20 billion in 2020.
According to researches this agreement will lead to save about 1.1 million barrels of oil per day savings in 2020. This is a half of the oil imported by the US from the Persian Gulf countries. This will allow American drivers to save $22 billion even if they spend money needed for the best up to date fuel economy technology. This will also contribute to global warming prevention. Just imagine that today 28 million of trucks and cars were taken off the roads! The positive impact on nature will be the same.
Congress thinks that nowadays fuel economy technologies are developing promptly and 35 mpg is just the beginning.
The agreement created a base for fuel economy as it will make the administration pay attention to constant progress in this branch beginning in 2011. This will lead to making new vehicles, SUVs, pickups and minivans to reach the necessary standards by 2020.? 
The said standard is basic and it will be corrected depending on the car type. This means that large vehicles will have to meet only 33 mpg by 2020, smaller ones, such as Volkswagen and Honda, - 37 - 39 mpg.
This agreement is a great step forward but at the same time it is a compromise. According to it those automakers who produce alternative fuel vehicles will continue to be provided with flex-fuel car credits.
Positive Sides of New Standard
- Allows saving 1.1 million barrels per day.
- Allows consumers to save $22 billion in 2020
- Reduces Green House Effect
- Lifetime gasoline saving for the new standard vehicle is more $4,500
- 2-3 years of pay back period.
[VIA:hybridblog.typepad.com]

Tags: automotive, autos