Katerina Swanson
Cars have become more fuel-efficient over the years due to a combination of factors, including advancements in technology, government regulations, and consumer demand. While engines have improved at using fuel, people have also started buying more fuel-efficient cars, such as electric or hybrid vehicles. The materials used to build cars have also changed, with newer models made from aluminum, fiberglass, and ceramic, reducing the weight and improving fuel efficiency. Additionally, the type of fuel used has evolved, with the introduction of ethanol and methanol blends, which can burn cleaner and provide greater efficiency.
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Lighter materials
The use of specialty metals in modern engines has allowed for greater compression rates, resulting in higher horsepower from the same-sized engine. For example, engines that previously produced 85 horsepower can now generate over 160 horsepower. This increase in horsepower from a smaller engine contributes to improved fuel efficiency.
Additionally, advancements in engine design have led to the development of friction-reducing engines and the use of better, lower viscosity engine oils. These improvements further enhance fuel efficiency by reducing the energy losses due to friction within the engine.
While the weight of modern cars has been a topic of discussion, with some arguing that they are not significantly lighter than their older counterparts, the use of lighter materials remains a crucial aspect of improving fuel efficiency.
Moreover, the increase in computing power has enabled engineers to utilise Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This technology allows for the precise simulation of airflow through the engine, facilitating the optimisation of intake, head, and exhaust designs for improved airflow and, consequently, enhanced fuel efficiency.
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Fuel type
Diesel vehicles, for instance, have undergone improvements to become cleaner, quieter, and more efficient than their gasoline counterparts. The diesel compression-ignition engine is more efficient than the gasoline spark-ignition engine, and diesel fuel has a higher energy content, resulting in reduced fuel consumption of up to 30%.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are another increasingly popular option, with rising sales in the United States. EVs and hybrids generally have much higher efficiency ratings than traditional gas-powered cars. The electrification of cars is expected to be the next big jump in fuel efficiency, according to Mark Schirmer, a spokesperson for Cox Automotive.
However, it is important to note that the shift towards larger vehicles, such as SUVs, has negatively impacted overall fuel economy. These larger vehicles tend to have lower fuel economy and higher CO2 emissions, offsetting some of the gains made through improvements in engine technology and fuel type.
Additionally, advancements in engine technology and fuel injection systems have contributed to improved fuel efficiency. Direct fuel injection, turbos, and improved engine materials and construction techniques have all played a role in enhancing the fuel efficiency of modern cars.
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Engine design
One of the key ways in which engine design has improved fuel efficiency is through the use of fuel-saving technologies. For example, gasoline direct fuel injection, where fuel is injected directly into the cylinders, improves fuel efficiency compared to traditional carburetors or port fuel injection systems. Additionally, modern transmissions with more gear ratios, such as automatic transmissions, have contributed to better fuel economy.
Another important factor in engine design is the reduction of friction and drag. This includes the use of low-friction lubricants and minor aerodynamic changes to car designs, resulting in incremental improvements in fuel efficiency. Friction-reducing engine designs and lower viscosity engine oils also contribute to this.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has also played a role in improving engine design for fuel efficiency. With increased computing power, engineers can now simulate airflow through the engine to optimize the design of intakes, heads, and exhaust for improved airflow, which can lead to better fuel efficiency.
While there is no single technology that will dramatically improve fuel efficiency, the collective use of multiple technologies has led to the significant gains seen in modern cars. Engine design has been a critical component of this, alongside other factors such as weight, emissions standards, and consumer demands.
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Government regulations
One notable example is the implementation of fuel and emissions standards by governments worldwide. For instance, the United States' Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported an increase in the average fuel efficiency of new cars in the country, reaching a record 25.4 mpg in 2020, with a projected stability for 2021. This improvement is attributed to the collective use of multiple technologies, including turbocharged engines, direct fuel injection, and stop/start systems.
In Canada, stringent greenhouse gas emission regulations have prompted automakers to incorporate energy-efficient technologies, such as turbochargers, into their vehicles. Additionally, Canada has actively regulated the sulphur content of diesel fuel, contributing to the improved performance and reduced fuel consumption of diesel vehicles.
The European Commission also plays a role in regulating emissions. A 2012 report highlighted discrepancies in the registered CO2 emission reductions from new cars between 2002 and 2010, suggesting that carmakers exploited "flexibilities" in test procedures to achieve more optimistic laboratory fuel efficiency figures. This revelation underscores the importance of rigorous testing procedures in ensuring that regulatory standards are met.
While engines have become more fuel-efficient over time, it is important to note that consumer behaviour can influence the overall impact on fuel efficiency. For example, despite improvements in engine efficiency, the average efficiency of the Australian vehicle fleet has remained relatively unchanged since 1963 due to consumers purchasing more fuel-hungry cars. This highlights the complex interplay between technological advancements and consumer choices in the pursuit of sustainability.
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Fuel injection
A fuel injector is an electronically controlled valve that is supplied with pressurised fuel by the car's fuel pump. When the injector is energised, an electromagnet moves a plunger that opens the valve, allowing the pressurised fuel to squirt out through a tiny nozzle. The nozzle atomises the fuel, creating a fine mist that can be easily burned. The amount of fuel supplied to the engine is determined by the length of time the injector stays open, known as the pulse width, which is controlled by the engine control unit (ECU).
There are two main types of fuel injection systems: throttle body fuel injection and multi-port fuel injection. Throttle body fuel injection systems, also known as single-point or central fuel injection, were introduced as a replacement for carburetors. They feature electrically controlled fuel injector valves incorporated into the throttle body. Multi-port fuel injection systems, also called port, multi-point, or sequential fuel injection, have a fuel injector for each cylinder, usually positioned to spray directly at the intake valve. These systems offer more accurate fuel metering and faster response times.
Compared to carburetors, fuel injection systems provide much better control of the air-to-fuel ratio, which is crucial for meeting stricter emissions requirements. Oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen level in the exhaust, and the ECU uses this information to adjust the air-to-fuel ratio in real-time, a process known as closed-loop control.
Direct fuel injection, where fuel is injected directly into the cylinder, is used in diesel engines and at higher speeds in gasoline engines. Port injection, where fuel is injected outside the cylinder before the intake stroke, is used in gasoline engines at lower speeds as it provides a more stable mixture of air and fuel.
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