The latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) CO2 and Fuel Economy Trends Report shows that car manufacturers are meeting fuel economy and carbon emission rules. The report shows that 2015 vehicles achieved record lows for CO2 emissions and high fuel economy. MPG averaged 24.8, which is .5 MPG higher than 2014. The improvements in [highlight style=”default”]emissions and MPG apply not only to passenger vehicles, but to SUVs as well[/highlight]. From the report findings, it appears manufacturers have the technology to meet CAFE standards of 54.5 MPG by 2025. This depends on low gas prices and increased SUV sales, which may cause the manufacturers to fall short of the target.
Despite the warm weather many of us across the US are enjoying, winter weather will eventually arrive. Here are some tips from equipment experts on [highlight style=”default”]how to winterize your heavy duty equipment[/highlight]. From diesel fuel to air compressors, it’s a good time to start prepping for the coming cold.
For the fourth year in a row, the[highlight style=”default”] EPA has named Mazda the most fuel efficient auto maker[/highlight] in the US. They achieved that title without having a hybrid or battery electric vehicle in their line up. Per Mazda, their SKYACTIV technology is what put the automaker over the top. “SKYACTIV is a suite of component and engineering technologies intended to cut vehicle weight, improve engine efficiency and bolster vehicle dynamics for outstanding environmental and safety performance without sacrificing the brand’s renowned driving pleasure.”
Cummins Westport’s new [highlight style=”default”]ISL G Near Zero NOx[/highlight] natural gas engine is now in production per the company and orders are now being taken. They stated the ISL G NZ has exhaust emissions that are 90% lower than the current EPA and ARB NOx limit and also meet the 2017 EPA greenhouse gas emission requirements. The engine is available as a first fit engine with transit, shuttle and school bus, refuse and truck original equipment manufacturers or as an engine replacement (repower) for existing ISL G vehicles.
Nissan has introduced a new hybrid technology in Japan. The new [highlight style=”default”]e-Power hybrid system has both a gasoline engine and an electric traction motor[/highlight]. This is not like other power split hybrids. Nissan’s system uses the electric motor to propel the wheels and the small engine is used to charge the battery. The vehicle provides a fully-electric driving experience without having to charge the battery.