The transportation sector accounts for approximately 30 percent of U.S. annual greenhouse gas emissions (and 65 percent of U.S. annual petroleum consumption). Reflecting the fact that more than three-fourths of total energy consumption in the transportation sector is used in cars and trucks, U.S. climate efforts in this area aim almost exclusively at reducing the consumption of oil (and oil by-products) in those vehicles.
• Partnership for a New Generation of
Vehicles
• Light and Heavy Trucks
• Breakthroughs on Concept
Cars
Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles
Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) is a Federal
government-industry effort that aims to develop attractive, affordable,
family-size cars that meet all applicable safety and environmental standards
while achieving up to three times the fuel efficiency of today's cars. Since
1993, the program has made great strides in developing lower-cost, lightweight
materials, operational fuel cells, and advanced internal combustion engines for
use in hybrid vehicles. The PNGV program aims to develop concept cars in 2000
and produce a production prototype mid-sized family car capable of 80 miles per
gallon (mpg) by 2004. In Fiscal Year 1999, appropriations for PNGV-related work
totaled more than $240 million.
• Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles
Light and Heavy Trucks
Similar government and industry efforts are aimed at developing cleaner, more efficient diesel engines for both light and heavy trucks.
By 2002, DOE aims to develop advanced diesel cycle engine technologies for pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles that achieve at least a 35 percent fuel efficiency improvement relative to current gasoline-fueled trucks while meeting strict emission standards.
By 2004, DOE, in coordination with EPA and the U.S. Department of Defense, aims to develop engine and vehicle technologies for heavy trucks that will increase the fuel economy to 12 mpg from the current average of 5.3 mpg.
•
EPA
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
•
Alternative
Fuels Data Center
Breakthroughs on Concept Cars
A direct result of the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) is the development of "concept cars," including hybrid vehicles that combine a traditional power source with battery storage and electric motors. On October 5, 1999, Ford presented to DOE the company's P2000 concept car, which uses advanced materials to reduce the weight of a full-size vehicle by 40 percent. Combined with an advanced direct injection engine, the P2000 is projected to deliver 63 miles per gallon. In addition, General Motors and Daimler Chrysler displayed driveable vehicles powered by fuel cells. Concept cars that meet PNGV's 80 mpg goal are expected to be unveiled in 2000.
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