Tag

Fuel Economy

All articles tagged with #fuel economy

Sedan Comeback Gains Ground as Teens Favor Efficiency Over SUVs
business1 day ago

Sedan Comeback Gains Ground as Teens Favor Efficiency Over SUVs

Automakers are signaling a potential sedan revival as SUV fatigue grows. Sedans remain cheaper and more fuel-efficient than SUVs across compact and midsize segments, while a Teens Forward study shows 51% of teens expect to drive sedans in the future. Executives from Ford, GM, Honda and Infiniti hint at renewed sedan activity, arguing that the traditional car’s lower cost and driving engagement could reintroduce a viable, appealing option in a market currently dominated by crossovers.

Gadgets Don’t Cut Fuel Bills—Performance Upgrades Do
automotive5 days ago

Gadgets Don’t Cut Fuel Bills—Performance Upgrades Do

Project Farm tested fuel-saving gadgets and found they don’t deliver real savings; gains came from performance mods that improve airflow (high-flow exhaust, cold-air intake) plus ECU tuning, and later from driving behavior (lower speeds, proper tire inflation). Baseline 17.06 mpg on a 319k-mile Suburban rose to 18.78 mpg with about $974 in mods, and peaked at 20.39 mpg with driving changes. At ~$4.50/gal, it would take tens of thousands of miles to recoup the investment, meaning the biggest payoffs come from careful driving and proper maintenance rather than gimmicks.

E15 Fuel: Not All Engines Are Ready for It
technology1 month ago

E15 Fuel: Not All Engines Are Ready for It

The article explains that EPA waivers allow E15 (15% ethanol) in some newer vehicles, but many manufacturers do not authorize it for older models and using it in unsupported engines can cause rubber, plastic, and aluminum damage, water-induced fuel separation, and reduced octane and efficiency. It also notes that E15 is illegal for older engines and non-eligible equipment, may yield worse mileage due to ethanol’s lower density, and that the production and environmental claims around ethanol are not straightforward. Always verify manufacturer approval before refueling with E15.

May E15 Waiver Expands Ethanol Fuel Amid Global Tensions
energy1 month ago

May E15 Waiver Expands Ethanol Fuel Amid Global Tensions

From May 1–20 the EPA is allowing a temporary nationwide E15 (15% ethanol) waiver to let more stations sell this blend in a bid to bolster the domestic fuel supply amid geopolitical tensions. E15 is cheaper but has lower energy density, typically shaving about 1.5–2% off fuel economy (more in heavy use), and can damage older engines and small equipment not designed for higher ethanol content. Most 2001+ vehicles can run E15, but carbureted engines and some specialty equipment should avoid it. The policy also aims to simplify fuel markets by lightening “boutique” blends into a single national pool, though smog concerns in summer remain a consideration. Readers should verify fuel choices for their specific vehicle and equipment.

politics5 months ago

Trump to Roll Back Biden-Era Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Rules

The Trump administration plans to roll back Biden-era vehicle fuel efficiency standards, arguing it will save the economy around $100 billion, though critics say it won't lower car prices and will hinder environmental progress. The move aims to return to traditional fuel economy standards, emphasizing consumer choice and affordability, amid rising vehicle prices and ongoing regulatory changes.

2025 Toyota 4Runner: Hybrid Fuel Economy and Pricing Insights
automotive1 year ago

2025 Toyota 4Runner: Hybrid Fuel Economy and Pricing Insights

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's new i-Force Max hybrid model offers worse highway fuel economy compared to its standard gasoline counterpart, primarily due to its exclusive 4WD configuration and off-road features that reduce efficiency. While the hybrid improves city mileage significantly, its highway performance is hindered by the depletion of battery charge and less aerodynamic design. This trend is not unique to Toyota, as similar issues are seen in other hybrid SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler 4xe.

"The 2025 Toyota Camry: America's Best-Selling Car Goes Hybrid-Only"
automotive2 years ago

"The 2025 Toyota Camry: America's Best-Selling Car Goes Hybrid-Only"

The new Toyota Camry for 2025 will only be available as a hybrid, featuring the fifth generation Toyota Hybrid System with improved fuel economy and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The decision to go all-in on hybrids reflects Toyota's focus on meeting consumer demand and maintaining the Camry's status as a top-selling sedan in the U.S. The new Camry also includes iterative updates to infotainment and driver-assist systems, while prioritizing improvements to ride, handling, steering, and brake-pedal feel to stay true to its sedan roots.

"2025 Toyota Camry: Fun, Affordable, and Fuel-Efficient Hybrid-Only Evolution"
automotive2 years ago

"2025 Toyota Camry: Fun, Affordable, and Fuel-Efficient Hybrid-Only Evolution"

The 2025 Toyota Camry will be available exclusively as a hybrid, reflecting Toyota's commitment to a hybrid-first approach. Priced at $28,400 base, the new Camry boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive or electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, and a manufacturer-estimated combined 51 mpg. Its design features a distinctive "hammerhead" front end and familiar interior with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driving experience is described as comfortable and fun, with responsive steering and strong acceleration. The hybrid powertrain aims to ease the transition for traditional car buyers towards more sustainable vehicles, offering a safe and affordable option with improved fuel efficiency.

"US Set to Implement Revised EV Mileage Rating Rule, Boosting Automakers"
automotive2 years ago

"US Set to Implement Revised EV Mileage Rating Rule, Boosting Automakers"

The US Energy Department is set to announce final rules that will soften its proposal to slash electric vehicles' mileage ratings to meet fuel economy requirements, a move that is seen as a win for automakers and the United Auto Workers union. The revised rules will gradually reduce the petroleum equivalent EV fuel economy rating through 2030, giving automakers more time to adjust, and are a response to concerns raised by automakers and the UAW. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to unveil revised vehicle greenhouse gas emissions requirements that will ease proposed yearly requirements through 2030, providing a boost for plug-in hybrid vehicles and scaling back certain proposals that the industry had objected to.

"2025 Ram 1500 High Output I-6: The Fuel Efficiency Trade-Off"
automotive2 years ago

"2025 Ram 1500 High Output I-6: The Fuel Efficiency Trade-Off"

The new 2025 Ram 1500 trucks feature lighter and more efficient inline-six engines, but they may not be cheaper to run due to their requirement for higher octane gasoline. The Standard Output engine can run on 87-octane fuel while offering improved fuel economy, while the High Output version requires at least 91-octane fuel to unleash its full power. Despite minor improvements in fuel economy, the higher fuel costs associated with the High Output engine may offset any savings compared to the previous V8 model.

"2025 Kia Carnival: Hybrid Minivan with Enhanced Styling and Powertrain"
automotive2 years ago

"2025 Kia Carnival: Hybrid Minivan with Enhanced Styling and Powertrain"

Kia Motors is introducing a hybrid model of its Carnival minivan to meet consumer demand for more efficient vehicles and comply with federal fuel economy standards. The hybrid option, set to be released alongside an updated traditional model, aims to attract a wider audience. The new models feature updated styling and interior technologies, with the hybrid expected to account for half of the Carnival's sales. Kia is also increasing production capacity to meet potential demand and aims to surpass its record U.S. sales from last year.

"GM's Shift: Embracing Plug-In Hybrids in North America"
automotive2 years ago

"GM's Shift: Embracing Plug-In Hybrids in North America"

GM CEO Mary Barra confirmed plans to bring plug-in hybrid options to North America in response to more stringent fuel economy and tailpipe emission standards, with the company aiming to comply in a capital and cost-efficient manner by leveraging existing technology. This move comes as the Biden administration pushes for significant reductions in vehicle fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions, with GM committed to eliminating tailpipe emissions from its light-duty vehicles by 2035 while acknowledging the importance of deploying plug-in technology in strategic segments to deliver environmental benefits as the nation builds its charging infrastructure.