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35.5 MPG by 2016? Bring it On!

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With all the hoopla about our nation hitting a 35.5 mile per gallon (MPG) average for new cars and trucks by 2016, its easy to lose sight of some simple facts. The original goal set forth by the Bush administration was 35 MPG by 2020. The Obama administration has simply proposed that we speed up the effort by four years and turn up the dial on fuel efficiency.

It’s a great feeling knowing that someone has been listening. We’ve been banging the drum here at MPGomatic for two years now.

An average of 35.5 MPG is not a lofty goal, even in this shortened time frame. Back in March of 2008, MPGomatic opened some eyeballs and raised a lot of eyebrows when we published 35 MPG: Why Wait Until 2020, an article that provided details on the export-only fuel-efficient diesel-powered cars and SUVs that Chrysler builds right here in North America, half of which already hit the 35 MPG mark. Hundreds of thousands of folks have read that article and learned the truth over the past fourteen months.

In Europe, 35 MPG isn’t a goal. It’s the norm.

America need not and must not fear this change. We must embrace it with the realization that it is the best way forward.

35 MPG does not = wimpy cars.

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Economic Stimulus Bill: What’s In It For Alternative Fuel Cars?

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Sometimes it makes sense to stall. I’ve been meaning to dig into the economic stimulus bill to find out exactly what it contains with regard to alternative fuel cars. As I attended to other matters, the answers appeared in my inbox, thanks to the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) and the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVI). … Read more

MINI E Sponsorship Wrap a No Go

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We can forget about the concept of defraying the cost of driving an electric MINI E through sponsorship. At least for now. It appears that wrapping a leased MINI with (tasteful) graphics may run astray of the lease terms. Looking for ways to make the $850 per month lease payment more affordable for the less-than-well-heeled, I posed the question to MINI Product Manager, Vincent Tennessee Kung.

“Modifying a MINI, like any vehicle leased by MINI Financial Services, may violate the terms and conditions of the contract regarding modifications done to the vehicle as it may also affect as the new vehicle warranty. Therefore, we do not recommend or endorse a wrap,” replied Vincent. “This is an engineering field trial more than anything else and with the flying doctors who will be checking in on the cars, such activity will be noticed.”

Ah well, the best laid plans, and all that …

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MINI E – Passed the First Hurdle!

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I received an email from our local MINI dealer this morning, stating that “According to MINI USA, your E MINI application is very special and at the top of the list!” The email included a two-page follow up MINI E Application document, along with the request to “Please fill out the answers truthfully, as we … Read more

Hybrid Gas Mileage – 2009 Model Year

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We devote a great deal of effort in testing hybrid car gas mileage here at MPGomatic. We test in real world conditions, not on a closed course in a lab. Week after week, this approach has proven its worth. Our results demonstrate that the gas mileage of hybrid cars is highly dependent upon driver mindset. By driving conscientiously, we’ve always met or exceeded each and every hybrid car’s gas mileage estimates. We roll the tape to show you how we do it … there are no secrets.

While the Toyota Prius nabbed the best hybrid gas mileage crown for 2009 once again, the field is shifting. With the upcoming release of the Fusion and Milan Hybrids, Ford hybrid gas mileage figures are on the rise. We had the opportunity to take a pre-production version of the Fusion Hybrid for a quick cold weather drive back in December and the car delivered impressive numbers. The Fusion and Milan Hybrids are unique in that they can glide under pure electric power at speeds up to 47 miles per hour. This hits a sweet spot, allowing folks to cruise the surface streets and back roads with a minimum dependence on gasoline.

While the official estimates for the Ford hybrid sedans do not match the Prius, they are significantly better than the direct competition: the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Nissan Altima Hybrid.

Our results with the Nissan Altima Hybrid’s gas mileage testing fell closest to the official numbers, but that can be attributed to two factors. The Nissan Altima Hybrid was the first hybrid we reviewed and our test unit lacked a sophisticated fuel economy display. When it comes down to it, we hadn’t learned the ropes and had little feedback on which to develop a methodology.

It’s all about getting to know the car you’re driving. The Honda Civic Hybrid and upcoming Honda Insight deliver excellent results, even though they lack the ability to glide in the same manner as the Toyota and new Ford hybrids.

Hybrid SUV gas mileage is a bit of a mixed bag. It was easy to exceed the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid’s gas mileage ratings. By driving the Escape Hybrid carefully, 40 MPG in town isn’t out of the question. While we haven’t had the opportunity to review the revamped 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, we expect to beat the numbers handily.

The Saturn Vue Green Line was the first GM hybrid SUV we tested. While we liked the VUE Green Line overall, it’s “mild hybrid” system did well on the highway, but didn’t deliver remarkable in-town benefits. The new Two-Mode Saturn VUE Hybrid is a different animal, with a more powerful gasoline engine and a hybrid system that’s more optimized for better economy at lower speeds. We’re looking forward to testing the second generation in the coming months, along with the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.

There’s no question that the cost and availability of high-powered battery systems is holding hybrid gas milage back. The equation is fairly simple: the more battery power stuffed into a vehicle, the higher the potential results. The question comes down to economics. While the gas mileage of hybrid vehicles rises with larger battery packs, the cost of the batteries pushes up costs. Until battery production rises and the price drops, the average gas mileage for a hybrid vehicle is unlikely to significantly exceed current levels.

While aftermarket providers – including A123 System’s Hymotion subsidiary – have come up with a number of bolt-on/plug-in hybrid solutions to raise mileage results, the auto manufacturers have been proceeding slowly. One solution might be to offer more powerful battery packs as optional equipment … instead of a larger more powerful gasoline engine, hybrid vehicles might offer increased MPGs as part of an economy option package.

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