Even though hybrids and EVs are all the rage these days, a study by the Boston Consulting Group found that most automakers will be able to meet 2020 EPA emissions targets using gasoline engines that will be 40% more fuel efficient than the current powerplants.
Advances in technology concerning engine downsizing, turbocharging, direct fuel injection, more efficient cooling, electric power steering and variable valve timing will help achieve this, according to the 23-page study.
The good news is that the cost of implementing these technologies will most likely be half of what it was three years ago. The bad news, at least for consumers, is that they will still add around $2,000 on average to the cost of new cars.
In addition, as the report points out, this would put less pressure on manufacturers and OEMs to pursue too hard the development of EVs in order to meet the 2020 EPA targets.
Nevertheless, the Obama administration is reportedly considering a 3-6% per year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2017 to 2025, effectively resulting in a 47 to 62 mpg requirement.
The report also states that by 2020 China and Europe, and not the US, will be the biggest markets for EVs, which will have reached a market share of 7 and 8% respectively, largely due to stronger government support.
Source: Autonews [Sub. Req.]
