While some automakers companies have introduced hybrid and electric cars, most of the recent fuel economy gains have come from improving traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Automakers have improved the fuel economy of some of their most popular models: Subaru has redesigned the transmission of its Outback; Mazda has new engine technology; Toyota has precisely controlled the timing of engine valves with electric motors in the Camry; Chevrolet has switched to a smaller engine in the Malibu and Ford’s F-150 is 700 pounds lighter with high-strength aluminum.
“The Trump administration may go even further than automakers want and freeze the standards entirely at model year 2021 levels, according to an early draft of the proposed rules. If that proposal is finalized, automakers will no longer be required to invest in new fuel-saving technologies after the next few years.”
Read the article at The New York Times.
