Title: Prospects for car design and alternative fuels to reduce oil demand and greenhouse gases
Abstract: This paper provides an overview of the options in vehicle design for improved fuel efficiency and the impact that selected improvements can have on the national demand for petrol and the consequent change in greenhouse gas emissions. The role of alternative fuels is also examined. Validated mathematical models are used to illustrate how vehicles can be designed to save fuel and to describe the fleet dynamics that affect the demand for petrol and alternative fuels. It is concluded that improved vehicle design, coupled with road infrastructure improvements can reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2005, but not by a sufficient amount to meet the Federal Government's objective of a 20% reduction unless measures are introduced which reduce transport demand or increase the proportion of small cars in the fleet model mix, with a likely increase in road trauma. Replacing old cars by new ones is shown to be of benefit. Alternative fuels can have only a minor impact on greenhouse gas emissions, but can play a significant part in reducing oil demand.
Publication Year: 1991
Publication Date: 1991-07-01
Language: en
Type: article
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