Automobiles Fuel Efficiency essay

A balanced approach to the problem of fuel efficiency will contribute to formulation of the following energy saving measures and mechanisms for their implementation:
1. Improving the information base and the quality of data collection
The success of any policy depends on the reliability of information on the basis of which it is developed. At the federal, regional and local levels, a system of indicators for sustainable development of the transport sector should be implemented in order to assess the progress in urban planning, traffic management and transport activity.
2. Increasing the efficiency of new vehicles and the use of an integrated approach to transport planning
This approach includes a component of urban planning, optimal integration of residential, business, commercial and cultural areas, the adequacy of public transport. Many European countries have achieved the following indicators: more than 30% of all car trips are shorter than 3 km, and 50% of trips are less than 5 km (Energy Efficient Cities, 2010).
3. Improving the quality of services in public transport and the ability to change the types of transport during a single trip (e.g., personal and public)
International experience shows that the more roads, the more traffic and more (not less) traffic jams. For instance, there were approximately 3.5 million cars in Moscow in 2005. By estimates, each of them spends in traffic jams on average 40-45 hours per month. If a car consumes 1 liter of fuel per hour of idle mode, the Moscow car owners annually lose 16-18 thousand person-years and about $ 2 billion (Energy Efficient Cities, 2010). The opportunities should be developed to improve the connections between major routes of public transport and the use of different transport modes in one trip.
4. Introduction of a tax on the use of private vehicles
The annual taxes on car owners typically supplement the taxes on the purchase of cars; in most countries, their rates depend on the fuel consumption of cars, in order to encourage buyers to purchase less powerful models, more energy efficient and environmentally friendly cars. The highest taxes on the purchase of cars are in Singapore, Denmark, Finland and Norway. In Denmark and Norway, in addition, there is a high tax on car owners in the amount of 300-450 euros per year (Energy policy, 2009).
5. Rewarding drivers who choose more efficient vehicles
In many cities of the U.S., the buyers of small cars and cars with a hybrid engine are exempted from vehicle tax and given the right of free parking. In California, hybrid engine vehicles can use the lanes allocated for vehicles with a large number of passengers, regardless of their actual number.
6. Tighter standards for fuel efficiency and emission standards and the introduction of labeling of fuel efficiency for new cars
In addition to the development of standards the mandatory labeling of the new cars might be introduced. It should include the obligatory information on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In several countries, labeling even includes a rating system in terms of energy efficiency and additional data, such as noise, emissions standards, taxes and other technical information. European experience shows that the labeling and high consumer awareness can help reduce fuel consumption by 4-5% (Energy policy, 2009). buy term paper
7. Encouraging of behavioral stereotypes change
The preference of large luxury cars in many countries emerged due to the perception of personal car as a status symbol. Government can promote the change of behavioral stereotypes forcing people to buy big, powerful and luxurious cars. It can initiate a shift in social values, for example, stressing that the cities are designed for people, not for cars. This can be achieved by increasing people’s knowledge that a growing number of private cars or increasing air pollution is harmful to their health and quality of life, or by the involvement of local communities and interest groups into the process of behavior change. Thus, smaller and more efficient cars may acquire a status value among certain groups of consumers.
8. Implementation of schemes for recycling old cars: accelerating the renewal of car stock by providing fiscal stimuli for recycling old cars
Experience shows that in most cases a positive impact on the environment from the decommissioning of old vehicles exceeds the amount of additional energy consumption for the production and disposal of vehicles. Car owners may receive a reward for the utilization of their cars, regardless of the subsequent decision to replace it, or bonuses for the replacement (depending on the type of replacement).
In general, it is necessary to actively implement the above measures that help to reduce the energy intensity of the transport sector on the whole, and to achieve the national goals for energy efficiency of the economy.
References
Easton, T.A. (2009). Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Environmental Issues (13th ed.). Columbus, McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Energy Efficient Cities. (2010). World Bank.
Energy policy and the transition to a low-carbon economy. (2009). OECD Economic Surveys, 2009 (13), 79-120.
Solomon, B. D. (2010). Biofuels and sustainability. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1185 (1), 119-134.