New valve tech could makes engines ‘cleaner and cheaper’

Researchers say the technology has the ability to specifically time the opening and closing of the valves, which is key to increasing fuel efficiency

Could shape-shifting metal make efficiency plane sailing?

Shape-shifting metals could make planes lighter and more fuel-efficient. That’s according to researchers at NASA’s Glenn Research Centre, who say ‘shape memory alloys’ could let parts of the plane assume slightly different shapes and positions depending on their temperature. The scientists say this could dispense with much of the motors, cables and equipment needed to […]

EU vans got 2.7% greener in 2016

The fuel efficiency of vans sold in the EU continued to rise in 2016. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), the average van registered last year emitted 163.8 grammes of carbon dioxide per kilometre (g CO2/km), 4.5g less than in 2015. This average fuel efficiency improvement of 2.7% is the highest annual increase since […]

Volvo lent €600m for fuel efficiency research

A €600 million (£509m) loan agreement between an EU bank and a Volvo Group subsidiary to making its engines more fuel efficient has been completed. The financing will be used by Volvo Treasury AB Sweden for research, development and innovation (RDI) investments in fuel efficiency and safety related to trucks, buses and construction equipment. It […]

Is Trump rolling back car pollution standards?

Donald Trump has ordered a review of tougher vehicle fuel efficiency standards in the US. The Department of Transport (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will revisit the Obama administration’s rule to increase fuel economy to the equivalent of 54.5 miles per gallon for cars and light duty trucks. That was expected to reduce […]

ETI invests £200k in fuel efficiency project

An initial funding of £200,000 has been announced for a project aimed at cutting emissions and increasing fuel efficiency of heavy vehicles. HORIBA MIRA, a UK subsidiary of a Japanese engineering firm, has been chosen by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) for the project which is expected to develop and demonstrate a commercially viable automated […]

Want to help improve the fuel efficiency of ships?

The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) is seeking partners for a new project which it hopes will help improve the fuel efficiency of large shipping vessels. They would need to set out how their technology will deliver fuel savings of at least 10% and show how they would design, supply and demonstrate flettner rotor sail technology […]

US offers $55m for fuel efficient tech

The US has announced funding worth more than $55 million (£36.6m) to develop “cutting-edge” vehicle technologies that boost the clean energy economy. The cash will be used for research, development and demonstration projects that aim to reduce the price and improve the efficiency of plug-in electric, alternative fuel and conventional vehicles. The US Department of […]

US invests $55m to improve fuel efficient technologies

The US Department of Energy is providing more than $55 million (£33m) to boost research and development of technologies that improve fuel efficiency and cut costs. The 31 chosen projects are aimed at meeting the goals of President Barack Obama’s EV Everywhere Grand Challenge and improve other vehicle technologies such as fuel, tires and powertrains. […]

Stricter fuel efficiency rules ‘will drive down gas use’

More stringent fuel efficiency standards for vehicles will lower gas usage through 2040, according to the US Energy Agency Information (EIA). It is expected to fall from 8.4 million barrels per day in 2013 to 6.4 million bpd in 2040. The EIA said new light-duty vehicles made in 2025 will be required to average about […]