In Europe, automobile fleets will soon have to emit an average 130 grams of CO2 per kilometer (g/km), that's the equivalent of about 43 miles per U.S. gallon. These rules start in 2012 and will have to be met in full by 2015. (U.S. CAFE rules say American auto fleets must average 35.5 mpg in 2016, up from 25.3 mpg today. European cars already meet that U.S. 2016 goal.)
These numbers are achievable in Europe using current small diesel and petrol engine technology. Even by 2020 when the E.U will demand an average closer to 100 g/km -- that's 55 miles per U.S. gallon -- small capacity 3- and 4-cylinder boosted direct injection gasoline engines with stop/start systems and a plethora of other innovations will still be in the majority.
Will American drivers migrate towards smaller fuel efficient vehicles that cost less to meet the new fuel and emission standards or are we willing to pay more for hybrid vehicles?
Hybrid or not!
These numbers are achievable in Europe using current small diesel and petrol engine technology. Even by 2020 when the E.U will demand an average closer to 100 g/km -- that's 55 miles per U.S. gallon -- small capacity 3- and 4-cylinder boosted direct injection gasoline engines with stop/start systems and a plethora of other innovations will still be in the majority.
Will American drivers migrate towards smaller fuel efficient vehicles that cost less to meet the new fuel and emission standards or are we willing to pay more for hybrid vehicles?
Hybrid or not!
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