fuel consumption

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June 29, 2026

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Fuel consumption refers to the amount of fuel used by a vehicle or system. In the United States, Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards were established in 1975 to improve the fuel efficiency of cars, light trucks, and SUVs. These standards, overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, require manufacturers to meet specific miles per gallon (mpg) targets for their vehicle fleets.1

Fossil fuels, including coal, petroleum, and natural gas, have historically been the primary energy sources for transportation and industry. However, their combustion releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. Efforts to reduce fuel consumption and reliance on fossil fuels include developing renewable energy sources and improving engine efficiency.2

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jet engine
The prime mover
…the lower limit of specific fuel consumption (SFC) for an engine producing gas horsepower is 0.336 (pound per hour)/horsepower, or 0.207 (kg per hour)/kilowatt. In actual practice, the SFC is even higher than this lower limit because of inefficiencies, losses, and leakages in the individual components of the prime mover.
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…the lower limit of specific fuel consumption (SFC) for an engine producing gas horsepower is 0.336 (pound per hour)/horsepower, or 0.207 (kg per hour)/kilowatt. In actual practice, the SFC is even higher than this lower limit because of inefficiencies, losses, and leakages in the individual components of the prime mover.
Read More