Peruzzi Toyota Product Blog

President Bush recently introduced a proposal to boost fuel economy requirements over the next several years. Under the proposal, vehicles that are introduced beginning with model year 2011 would be required to get at least 27.8 miles per gallon. For 2012, vehicles would need to achieve 29.2 miles per gallon, and by 2013, at least 30.5 miles per gallon. This is an excellent start, but many experts feel that the proposal is incomplete.

Under the Bush plan, fuel economy would increase by approximately 1.5 miles per gallon per year for the first three years. However, in 2014 and 2015 those numbers significantly drop off, at minimums of 31 miles per gallon and 31.6 miles per gallon respectively. At that rate, experts worry that the U.S. fleet will achieve only approximately 34.5 miles per gallon by 2020. This is short of the goal set by last year’s groundbreaking energy bill, which requires a fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, analysis has shown that with current hybrid technologies, there is no reason that an even higher minimum, of 39 miles per gallon, is easily achievable by 2020. The current goal of 35 miles per gallon could be achieved by 2018.

Therefore, it seems that the Bush plan does not push automakers to succeed. Instead, the plan allows the auto industry to limp along. Additionally, it is expected that the auto industry will contest the bill, further weakening it before it passes.

Of course, many of today’s hybrid vehicles already far surpass the minimum standards. If you would like to learn more about the fuel economy of today’s Toyota hybrids, we invite you to visit our friendly Toyota dealers in Pennsylvania. We can help you find the hybrid that is right for you.

Hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in light of today’s skyrocketing fuel prices. Yet many consumers are not yet aware of exactly how the hybrid works. Last week, we gave you an overview of the hybrid engine and discussed its performance. Today, we will take you through some enhancements that have been implemented by hybrid designers to increase the vehicles’ efficiency.

Reduced Need for the Engine
Hybrids are designed to draw a great deal of operating power from the batteries rather than the engine. For example, the Prius can be started using the generator. The engine does not turn on until much of the acceleration has already taken place.

Advanced Aerodynamics
Hybrids are designed to be as aerodynamic as possible. This minimizes the energy that must be expended to cut through air resistance. The energy savings translates into improved fuel efficiency.

Lightweight Materials
By reducing the weight, manufacturers have also decreased the amount of power that is required, particularly when going uphill. Space age composites are often used to provide the strength and safety of a traditional vehicle while reducing the car’s overall weight.

Low Drag Tires
Traditional car tires can create a lot of drag, forcing the vehicle to work harder. Many hybrids use special tires that are stiffer and more highly inflated than traditional tires, allowing for greater efficiency.

Above are just a few of the many ways that hybrid designers have implemented features that can help to increase fuel efficiency. Tomorrow we will discuss some easy steps that you can take to further maximize the potential of your hybrid. In the meantime, why not visit our friendly local dealership to take a look at our hybrid vehicles for yourself?