Evaluation of Techniques for Reducing In-Use Automotive Fuel Consumption

PDFTech ReportDOT-TSC-NHTSA-81-13DOT-HS-805-833AnalysisAttitudesAutomobilesBehaviorCost effectivenessCostsDriver trainingDriversExhaust gasesFuel consumptionHighway traffic controlImplementationLight vehiclesMotorist aid systemsRight turn on redSignalized intersectionsSparksTraffic flowTraffic surveysVehicle designVehicle safetyUnited StatesUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationForrest, L.Lee, W. B.Smalley, W. M.Aerospace CorporationSpace and Missile Systems Center (U.S.)John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, (U.S.)United States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationAGR-IMPACTS-EnvironmentAGR-IMPACTS-IMPACTSNTL-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTNTL-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT-Environment ImpactsVolpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference CenterThis report presents an assessment of proposed techniques for reducing fuel consumption in the in-use light duty road vehicle fleet. Three general classes of techniques are treated: (1) modification of vehicles, (2) modification of traffic flow, and (3) modification of driver behavior. Examples of techniques in each category are (1) spark augmentation devices, improved carburetors, variable accessory operation; (2) right turn on red, intersection control; and (3) driver training, driver aid devices. In total, 17 different techniques, including 33 specific devices/concepts, are examined and evaluated. Factors included in the evaluation are fuel economy effects, safety impacts, availability for fleet implementation, and unit price. In addition, the implementation of each technique is assessed with regard to number of vehicles impacted, fuel savings effected, national cost, potential problems, and required lead time. A principal finding is the ranking of cost effective techniques in terms of their assessed potential for reducing fleet fuel consumption