Fuel Efficiency
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Toyota has previously said that diesel engines are on the way out, but it appears that it sees them differently for some global markets—with a future pairing of diesel and hybrid tech.
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Tighter EPA emissions rules for big trucks don't mandate EVs
Tougher emissions targets will likely lead to more EV sales, but environmental groups say they're again a step behind California.
Stephen Edelstein -
DOE rule may encourage more plug-in hybrids, fewer EVs
With tweaks to the final rule, it projects 56% EV sales will be needed by 2032, along with at least 13% plug-in hybrids.
Stephen Edelstein -
EPA may allow weaker emissions rules, slower EV rollout
The Biden administration may "slow the pace at which auto manufacturers would need to comply" with tighter emissions rules.
Stephen Edelstein -
EPA: Hybrids and EVs helped offset more polluting trucks and SUVs
Americans' continued shift toward larger vehicles and trucks boosted the average CO2 emissions per vehicle from 2017 to 2022, but rising sales of hybrids and EVs helped offset it.
Stephen Edelstein -
House votes to block emissions rules with misconception of EV mandate
The Republican-controlled House appears to believe these targets constitute an EV mandate—even though the EPA's proposal clearly lays it out as the opposite.
Stephen Edelstein -
The parent of Dodge, Jeep, and other brands claims the California Air Resources Board (CARB) "improperly adopted" a 2019 deal negotiated between the regulator and four automakers.
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Do engine block heaters boost mpg, reduce cold-weather emissions?
Despite plenty of claims otherwise, a group of Finish researchers found that block heaters didn't cut fuel consumption or emissions significantly in light-duty gas or diesel models.
Stephen Edelstein -
Report: Automakers see efficiency rules costing billions in fines
Legacy automakers may end up paying "alarming" penalties for not meeting proposed federal fleet fuel economy standards, a lobbyist report claims.
Stephen Edelstein -
Poll: Americans are sharply divided over fossil-fuel phaseout
EVs reduce global warming emissions, but that and the phasing-out of fossil fuels may be far less important to Republicans than Democrats.
Stephen Edelstein -
Toyota Land Cruiser returns as hybrid-only SUV with lower price
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser has been redesigned with a turbocharged hybrid powertrain, a smaller footprint, and a base price in the $50,000 range.
Stephen Edelstein -
NHTSA aims for 43.5 mpg across new vehicles by 2032
A 2% annual improvement in fuel efficiency is in the cards for passenger cars, and a 4% yearly improvement for light trucks.
Stephen Edelstein -
Maps' efficiency-focused routing has prevented 1.2 million metric tons of estimated carbon emissions, Google claims in its latest environmental report.
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Report: GM and Stellantis paid record fuel economy fines
GM chose to pay the fines for fuel-economy shortfalls and bank its credits, while Stellantis reportedly says it's doing better now.
Stephen Edelstein -
Senate blocks Biden clean-truck rules, without Feinstein vote
The 50-49 vote rescinds stricter standards for emissions from heavy-duty trucks—although a veto could revive their implementation.
Stephen Edelstein -
Study: EV policy around gasoline superusers could help the most
So-called "gasoline-burdened families" are paying a huge portion of their income toward gas vehicles and could greatly benefit from a switch to EVs.
Stephen Edelstein -
EPA tailpipe emissions rules for 2027-2032: EVs not mandated
EVs aren't mandated by the set of rules proposed by the EPA Wednesday, but they will almost certainly offer the easiest path to compliance under extremely strict new requirements.
Stephen Edelstein -
California may mandate replacement-tire efficiency standards
The California Energy Commission (CEC) wants replacement tires to be as efficient as original tires.
Stephen Edelstein -
In an unusual instance of industry speaking up for stronger regulations, a handful of automakers are testifying with California.
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Goodyear shows fuel-saving tire with 90% sustainable materials
The demonstration tire shows Goodyear has the capability to make a tire with 90% sustainable content, even as it aims to launch a production tire with 70% sustainable content this year.
Stephen Edelstein -
New EPA truck emission rules still fall short of California regs
The EPA has enacted standards taking effect for the 2027 model year, applying to heavy-duty trucks, buses, and vans. But in some respects they're weaker than what California has drafted.
Stephen Edelstein -
Vehicle fuel economy gains faltered in 2021: Blame the SUV, again
Real-world fuel economy of light-duty vehicles sold in the U.S. remained flat for the 2021 model year, at 25.4 mpg, according to the report, and the shift to SUVs plus relaxed Trump-era fleet rules may be to blame for this.
Stephen Edelstein -
IEA: Global demand for fossil fuels will peak this decade
Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the resulting economic uncertainties have accelerated the timeline—leading to more spending on renewables, cleaner EVs, and a "historic turning point," the authority anticipates.
Stephen Edelstein -
Not all California clean cars states agree with 2035 gas-vehicle ban
While New York, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts and others have signed on, Minnesota is a maybe and Virginia's governor is reportedly calling the policy "ludicrous."
Stephen Edelstein