http://www.autonews.com/article/20140218/OEM11/140219856/obama-sets-march-2016-goal-for-truck-fuel-efficiency-rules
This article discusses the fuel efficiency and greenhouse effects of most trucks used for shipping things, describing Obama's plan to set new industry standards that would help in "lower[ing] costs for consumers and [the] development of new technology." The proposed plan would demand (of automakers) a fuel efficiency standard averaging at 54.5mpg by 2025.
The problem is that while this plan would improve fuel efficiency, it would likely come at increased costs (at least for a while) as the company tried to recuperate those lost in the development of the new technologies. However, even then, many of the same cars have been available in Europe getting better mpg than those available in the US for years (see http://jalopnik.com/5981938/why-do-european-cars-get-better-mpg-than-us-cars for an explanation).
Either way, however, this benefit would not be immediate and would likely take a significant investment by the company, mandating funding by government or increased cost. Either way, then, consumers will end up paying for it.
I'm assuming trucks used for "shipping things" consists of tractor trailers, and if these trucks needs to meet the mpg regulations it just won't happen. It was less than a year ago that Peterbilt developed one of the most fuel efficient tractor trailers ever and it was only getting a measly 9.9 mpg. I don't see how it would be even remotely possible to have a 65,000 truck loaded up with thousands of pounds of material achieve 54.5 mpg.
ReplyDeleteThis is Obama talking and the other presidents will have to see his plan through for this to work. That is a lot of gas milage to average with those huge trucks. Most small cars on the road today aren't even close that number besides hybrids and electric. This is a huge demand within the next ten years but I don't see it happening, maybe an average of 35 MPG but I can't see it being more than that.
ReplyDeleteWhether or not this plan is implemented, I think it is a good idea. While it may be a huge investment initially, I think the improvement in technology and the betterment of the environment are well worth the initial cost. Perhaps the goals of the plan just need to be more realistic. For example, instead of 54.5 mpg by 2025, perhaps the plan aims for 25 mpg by 2025.
ReplyDeleteI believe that when everything is said and done this plan will be effective. Although obviously there will be a high cost now, the effect on the environment will be worth it. There will be less pollution and consumers look at mpg heavily when they buy a car.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea, and I hope it works. The initial higher costs will pay off in the long run when people are able to still breathe the air around them. Hopefully this will make way for other opportunities, such as larger vehicles with zero emissions.
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