fuel economy
Quick Summary
Fuel economy refers to the use of less fuel. In the United States, Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards were established in 1975 to improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles sold domestically. These standards, overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, require manufacturers to meet specific miles per gallon (mpg) targets for their vehicle fleets.12
Technological advancements, driven by factors like air pollution concerns and safety legislation, have led to improvements in fuel economy. These include the development of lighter materials, more efficient engines, and advanced emission control systems like catalytic converters. While these technologies can increase vehicle costs, they may be offset by reduced fuel purchases. The pursuit of better fuel economy is an ongoing effort influenced by environmental concerns and consumer demand.342
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
gasoline engineTwo-stroke cycle…the two-stroke cycle lack the fuel economy of four-stroke engines. The loss can be avoided by equipping them with fuel-injection systems (see below) instead of carburetors and injecting the fuel directly into the cylinders after scavenging. Such an arrangement is attractive as a means of attaining high power output from…
Read More…the two-stroke cycle lack the fuel economy of four-stroke engines. The loss can be avoided by equipping them with fuel-injection systems (see below) instead of carburetors and injecting the fuel directly into the cylinders after scavenging. Such an arrangement is attractive as a means of attaining high power output from…
Read More- gasoline engineFuel injection
…injection over carburetors are improved fuel economy as a result of more-accurate fuel and air proportioning, greater power because of the elimination of fuel heating, elimination of inlet icing, and more-uniform and direct delivery of fuel load to the cylinders. Since fuel injection does not rely on an intake manifold…
Read More…injection over carburetors are improved fuel economy as a result of more-accurate fuel and air proportioning, greater power because of the elimination of fuel heating, elimination of inlet icing, and more-uniform and direct delivery of fuel load to the cylinders. Since fuel injection does not rely on an intake manifold…
Read More - gasoline engineSupercharger
…but also operates at improved fuel economy. Historically, large airplane reciprocating gasoline engines were usually supercharged both by geared blowers and by turbochargers to provide the large pumping capacity needed at high altitude; however, these engines have generally been replaced by turboprop engines. High-performance general aviation aircraft typically use turbocharged…
Read More…but also operates at improved fuel economy. Historically, large airplane reciprocating gasoline engines were usually supercharged both by geared blowers and by turbochargers to provide the large pumping capacity needed at high altitude; however, these engines have generally been replaced by turboprop engines. High-performance general aviation aircraft typically use turbocharged…
Read More