Fuel Economy in Major Car Markets

Fuel Economy in Major Car Markets: Technology and Policy Drivers 2005-2017

Key Findings

• Market Status of New Light-Duty Vehicles: Significant improvements in fuel economy were observed across major car markets.
• Drivers of Recent Fuel Economy Trends: Various factors such as vehicle size, powertrain technology, and engine displacement contributed to these trends.
• Links Between Vehicle Efficiency and Other Attributes to Prices: There is a strong correlation between vehicle efficiency and purchase prices.
• The Role of Policy: Policies played a crucial role in promoting fuel-efficient technologies.
• Focus on Electrification: Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have become increasingly important in improving fuel economy.
• Real-World Fuel Economy Gap: There is a notable gap between tested and real-world fuel economy values, especially for conventional vehicles.

Introduction

• Scope: The report focuses on the status and drivers of light-duty vehicle (LDV) fuel economy from 2005 to 2017.
• Overview: It provides insights into the global market, highlighting developments in fuel consumption and fuel economy over the past decade.

Status of Light-Duty Vehicle Fuel Economy

• Global Light-Duty Vehicle Market: Significant improvements in fuel economy were observed globally.
• Status in 2017: Fuel economy levels were higher compared to 2005, reflecting advancements in technology and policy measures.
• Developments Since 2005: A detailed analysis of changes in LDV fuel consumption and fuel economy over the period.
• Prospects for Fuel Economy Developments to 2030: Projections indicate continued improvements in fuel economy driven by technological advancements and policy interventions.

Drivers of LDV Fuel Economy

• Vehicle Size Segments: Different vehicle segments showed varying levels of fuel efficiency.
• Vehicle Powertrain Technology: Advancements in powertrain technology, particularly in engine and transmission systems, significantly impacted fuel economy.
• Vehicle Power: Higher power ratings generally correlated with lower fuel economy.
• Engine Displacement: Smaller engines tended to be more fuel-efficient.
• Vehicle Weight: Lighter vehicles had better fuel economy.
• Vehicle Footprint: Smaller footprint vehicles were more efficient.
• Fuel Saving Technology Deployment: Deployment of fuel-saving technologies provided lessons learned and best practices.
• Relationship Between Fuel Economy and Vehicle Purchase Price: Higher fuel economy often translated to higher vehicle prices.

Focus on Powertrain Electrification

• Market Structure and Key Attributes of Electrified Vehicles: Detailed analysis of the market structure and attributes of EVs and HEVs.
• Market Structure: Breakdown of the market based on different types of electrified vehicles.
• Power Rating: Analysis of how power ratings affect fuel economy.
• Weight Distribution: Impact of weight distribution on fuel economy.
• Effect of EV Attributes on Fuel Economy: How various attributes of EVs contribute to improved fuel economy.
• Contribution of Electrified Vehicles to Fuel Economy Improvements: Role of electrified vehicles in overall fuel economy improvements.

Real-World Fuel Economy Gap

• Real Driving Fuel Economy for Conventional Vehicles: Analysis of real-world fuel economy for conventional vehicles.
• Tested Versus Real Driving Fuel Economy: Comparison of tested and real-world fuel economy values.
• What is Widening the Gap?: Factors contributing to the gap between tested and real-world fuel economy, including driving conditions, maintenance, and operational differences.