Tech Briefs
Engines
Can hybrids lead the pathway for decarbonization of the US light-duty vehicle fleet?
In light of the Trump administrations executive orders limiting EV mandates and incentives, hybrids might offer a pathway for continued fuel economy improvements. This post summarizes the key findings on their CO2 reduction potential.
Dedicated hybrid engines push engine efficiency beyond 45%
Dedicated hybrid engines are approaching 50% brake thermal efficiency and propelling the popularity of range extended EVs in China.
Cummins launches the new MY 2025 6.7L engine for RAM trucks
Cummins and Stellantis have announced the launch of a new 2025 6.7L engine paired with the RAM lineup of pickup and chassis cab heavy-duty trucks.
Fuels
U.S. EPA Announces Deregulatory Actions
The EPA, on March 12, 2025 announced several major deregulatory steps. Here’s a summary pertinent to transport decarbonization.
Amendment of European CO2 Standards for Cars and Vans
The European Commission’s “Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector” amends the CO2 standard for cars and vans, requiring the 15% reduction in CO2 to be now met over 3 years.
EPA Recommends Scrapping GHG Endangerment Finding
The EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has recommended to the White House that the GHG endangerment finding be scrapped.
Electrification
Amendment of European CO2 Standards for Cars and Vans
The European Commission’s “Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector” amends the CO2 standard for cars and vans, requiring the 15% reduction in CO2 to be now met over 3 years.
Can hybrids lead the pathway for decarbonization of the US light-duty vehicle fleet?
In light of the Trump administrations executive orders limiting EV mandates and incentives, hybrids might offer a pathway for continued fuel economy improvements. This post summarizes the key findings on their CO2 reduction potential.
Dedicated hybrid engines push engine efficiency beyond 45%
Dedicated hybrid engines are approaching 50% brake thermal efficiency and propelling the popularity of range extended EVs in China.
Hydrogen
U.S. EPA Announces Deregulatory Actions
The EPA, on March 12, 2025 announced several major deregulatory steps. Here’s a summary pertinent to transport decarbonization.
Amendment of European CO2 Standards for Cars and Vans
The European Commission’s “Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector” amends the CO2 standard for cars and vans, requiring the 15% reduction in CO2 to be now met over 3 years.
EPA Recommends Scrapping GHG Endangerment Finding
The EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has recommended to the White House that the GHG endangerment finding be scrapped.
Lifecycle Analyses
Total Cost of Transportation Analysis for a Heavy-Duty Fleet
A new study shows that switching to a Class 8 truck can more than double the total cost of transportation. Here’s a summary.
True total cost of ownership still a decade away
New study analyzes the cost of transition to electric vehicles in California, including socio-economic factors. The burden will shift to lower income groups in later years.
Importance of wells-to-wheel accounting of CO2 emissions from the transportation sector
Europe has recorded a significant reduction in CO2 from passenger cars in 2020, mostly due to the increase in electric vehicle sales. However, it is important to account for upstream electricity generation so that we get a holistic picture of CO2 reductions.
Other
Guest Article – How do we make mobility better?
From Brandon Bartneck – “I’ve spent the past four years chasing down the answer to the following question…
How do we make mobility better?
It’s meaningful. Probably the most impactful challenge that I’ve tried to help solve. But it’s far from straightforward.”
BP Energy Outlook 2024 – A summary
The 13th BP Energy Outlook provides insights into the changing landscape of energy demand and supply, one with the current pace of technology deployment and another with an ambitious net-zero goal by 2050. The shift to electricity and therefore to grid decarbonization is highlighted.
What’s in a tire – you may be surprised
Tire manufacturers are developing the next generation tires for light- and heavy-duty vehicles to address the new performance and sustainability needs of electrified fleets.
