Improving Automobile Efficiency

Audio

12/07/2007

Dec. 07, 2007

Improving Automobile Efficiency

Click

to enlarge images

Energy legislation currently moving through Congress could result in an increase in fuel efficiency standards for the U.S. auto fleet. Current law sets the 'Corporate Average Fuel Economy,' or CAFE, at 27.5 miles per gallon for cars and 22.2 miles per gallon for light trucks, a category that includes many sport utility vehicles. The new legislation would somewhat change the way CAFE is calculated, basing the measurement in part on the size of the vehicles involved. The overall average efficiency of all vehicles sold in the U.S. would be set at 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The White House has said it plans to veto the legislation.

In this segment, Ira and guests talk about the energy legislation, and about research into improving the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks. Is it time for a new approach entirely?

Produced by Charles Bergquist, Director and Contributing Producer

Guests

Therese Langer
Transportation Program
Director

American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy

Washington, DC
Harold Schock
Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Director, Engine Research Laboratory

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
Anna Jaffe
Co-founder, Vehicle Design Summit

Student, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Dec. 07, 2007