science and policy

Science & Policy: Energy Science & Policy: Energy Efficient AutomobilesEfficient Automobiles

Liz StrahleLiz Strahle

April, 2008April, 2008

LAI 531-SUNY BuffaloLAI 531-SUNY Buffalo

Description of the IssueDescription of the Issue

Main factors that should be considered in the Main factors that should be considered in the production of automobiles:production of automobiles:

1. Global Warming1. Global Warming 2. Diminishing Oil Supply2. Diminishing Oil Supply 3. Reliance on Foreign Oil3. Reliance on Foreign Oil 4. Air Quality/Pollution4. Air Quality/Pollution

A major part of addressing these factors is A major part of addressing these factors is looking at the most energy efficient looking at the most energy efficient

automobiles.automobiles.

Three types of energy efficient automobiles Three types of energy efficient automobiles will be addressed in this presentation. will be addressed in this presentation.

These are the electric vehicle, the hybrid These are the electric vehicle, the hybrid vehicle, and the hydrogen vehicle.vehicle, and the hydrogen vehicle.

The Electric VehicleThe Electric Vehicle

The electric vehicle does not have an The electric vehicle does not have an internal combustion system.internal combustion system.

It has an electric motor for its driving force.It has an electric motor for its driving force. Its source of energy comes from electricity.Its source of energy comes from electricity. The energy is supplied by chemical energy The energy is supplied by chemical energy

from a battery.from a battery.


The production of electric vehicles for consumer The production of electric vehicles for consumer use began in 1996 for lease only. Several use began in 1996 for lease only. Several automobile manufacturers produced a model of automobile manufacturers produced a model of the electric vehicle.the electric vehicle.

GM EV1GM EV1 Ford ThinkFord Think Nissan Altra EVNissan Altra EV Honda EV PlusHonda EV Plus Ford Ranger EVFord Ranger EV Toyota RAV4 EVToyota RAV4 EV


The electric vehicle is beneficial to the The electric vehicle is beneficial to the environment because the release of pollutants environment because the release of pollutants from the vehicle to the air is minimal. from the vehicle to the air is minimal.

Electric vehicles are a zero emissions vehicle.Electric vehicles are a zero emissions vehicle. Electric vehicles run quietly and smoothly.Electric vehicles run quietly and smoothly. Because these vehicles run on batteries they only Because these vehicles run on batteries they only

need to be plugged in to be recharged.need to be plugged in to be recharged.

Source: OrskiSource: Orski

The Hybrid VehicleThe Hybrid Vehicle

The hybrid vehicle uses at least two sources The hybrid vehicle uses at least two sources for the driving force of the vehicle.for the driving force of the vehicle.

The sources of energy come from internal The sources of energy come from internal combustion engines and electricity. combustion engines and electricity.

Energy for the hybrid vehicle is supplied by Energy for the hybrid vehicle is supplied by gasoline for the internal combustion system gasoline for the internal combustion system and by chemical energy from a battery. and by chemical energy from a battery.


The production of hybrid vehicles for consumer use is gaining The production of hybrid vehicles for consumer use is gaining momentum as the world searches to solve the energy momentum as the world searches to solve the energy crisis. Automobile manufacturers are producing models of crisis. Automobile manufacturers are producing models of the hybrid vehicle. Some of these are:the hybrid vehicle. Some of these are:

Toyota PriusToyota Prius Toyota Camry HybridToyota Camry Hybrid Honda InsightHonda Insight Honda Civic HybridHonda Civic Hybrid Advanced Hybrid System 2: Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon Advanced Hybrid System 2: Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon

& Saturn Vue& Saturn Vue Ford Escape HybridFord Escape Hybrid Mercury Mariner HybridMercury Mariner Hybrid


Because the hybrid depends on electricity for power in Because the hybrid depends on electricity for power in addition to gasoline, less gasoline is needed to run the addition to gasoline, less gasoline is needed to run the vehicle.vehicle.

The hybrid vehicle has lower emissions than a vehicle that The hybrid vehicle has lower emissions than a vehicle that uses an internal combustion system only.uses an internal combustion system only.

The hybrid vehicle runs more quietly and more smoothly The hybrid vehicle runs more quietly and more smoothly than a vehicle that uses the internal combustion system for than a vehicle that uses the internal combustion system for its driving force.its driving force.

An advantage of the hybrid vehicle is that the gasoline-run An advantage of the hybrid vehicle is that the gasoline-run portion of the vehicle shuts down while the vehicle is idle. portion of the vehicle shuts down while the vehicle is idle.

Source: ReeseSource: Reese

The Hydrogen VehicleThe Hydrogen Vehicle

The hydrogen vehicle uses hydrogen for its The hydrogen vehicle uses hydrogen for its driving force.driving force.

The hydrogen energy comes from one of The hydrogen energy comes from one of two processes.two processes.

Hydrogen can be burned in engines. This Hydrogen can be burned in engines. This process is called combustion.process is called combustion.

Hydrogen can react with oxygen, producing Hydrogen can react with oxygen, producing electricity and water for power called fuel-electricity and water for power called fuel-cell conversion.cell conversion.


The production of hydrogen vehicles for consumer use is still in The production of hydrogen vehicles for consumer use is still in progress. Several automobile manufacturers are in the process of progress. Several automobile manufacturers are in the process of developing these automobiles. Some of these are:developing these automobiles. Some of these are:

Focus FCVFocus FCVBMW Hydrogen 7BMW Hydrogen 7GM Hydrogen 3GM Hydrogen 3Honda FCXHonda FCXToyota Highlander FCHVToyota Highlander FCHVMazda RX-8Mazda RX-8Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE HybridMazda Premacy Hydrogen RE HybridNissan X-TRAIL FCVNissan X-TRAIL FCVHyundai Tucson FCEVHyundai Tucson FCEV


The fuel cells used in the hydrogen vehicle are The fuel cells used in the hydrogen vehicle are very energy efficient.very energy efficient.

Production of hydrogen needed for the hydrogen Production of hydrogen needed for the hydrogen vehicle, however, from fossil energy resources vehicle, however, from fossil energy resources result in emissions contributing to global warming.result in emissions contributing to global warming.

Hydrogen vehicles are still safer for the Hydrogen vehicles are still safer for the environment than vehicles that run on an internal environment than vehicles that run on an internal combustion system only.combustion system only.

Hydrogen vehicles may not be available for Hydrogen vehicles may not be available for several decades.several decades.

Source: WaegelSource: Waegel

Analysis of Issues Related to the Analysis of Issues Related to the TopicTopic

1. Global Warming1. Global Warming 2. Diminishing Oil Supply2. Diminishing Oil Supply 3. Reliance on Foreign Oil3. Reliance on Foreign Oil 4. Quality of Air/Pollution4. Quality of Air/Pollution

Global WarmingGlobal Warming

Oftentimes the issue of global warming Oftentimes the issue of global warming caused by emissions of greenhouse gases caused by emissions of greenhouse gases is centered on how much a change to is centered on how much a change to protect the environment would cost. While protect the environment would cost. While many companies, organizations, and the many companies, organizations, and the government have called for policies to government have called for policies to reduce global warming, there is still much reduce global warming, there is still much resistance to take drastic steps needed to resistance to take drastic steps needed to make a real change. make a real change.

Global WarmingGlobal Warming

““We simply find it impossible to imagine the We simply find it impossible to imagine the globally warmed future. Again, there are good globally warmed future. Again, there are good reasons: throughout history, humans have looked reasons: throughout history, humans have looked to the past to guide future behavior. From the to the past to guide future behavior. From the wisdom of social elders to the courts, we seek wisdom of social elders to the courts, we seek precedents. But there is no historical parallel for precedents. But there is no historical parallel for what is happening. This is the very essence of our what is happening. This is the very essence of our denial: while we accept the evidence for climate denial: while we accept the evidence for climate change intellectually, we reject it emotionally. We change intellectually, we reject it emotionally. We find ourselves unable to believe it really, truly find ourselves unable to believe it really, truly exists”(Easton, 149).exists”(Easton, 149).

Diminishing Oil SupplyDiminishing Oil Supply

With the exception of the electric vehicle, all With the exception of the electric vehicle, all automobiles on the road today need oil to function. automobiles on the road today need oil to function.

““Some forecasters, studying data on how much oil Some forecasters, studying data on how much oil is used each year and how much is still believed to is used each year and how much is still believed to be in the ground, have argued that at some point be in the ground, have argued that at some point by 2010, global oil production will peak-if it has not by 2010, global oil production will peak-if it has not already-and begin to fall. That drop would usher already-and begin to fall. That drop would usher in an uncertain era of shortages, price spikes and in an uncertain era of shortages, price spikes and economic decline”(Hanrahan, 35). economic decline”(Hanrahan, 35).

Diminishing Oil SupplyDiminishing Oil Supply

““The situation is about to shift from bad but The situation is about to shift from bad but acceptable to worse because for all practical acceptable to worse because for all practical purposes the world is running out of economically purposes the world is running out of economically extractable oil. This puts us more than ever at the extractable oil. This puts us more than ever at the mercy of the very few nations with significant mercy of the very few nations with significant untapped reserves. Over the long term it’s clear untapped reserves. Over the long term it’s clear that the only viable solution is to free ourselves that the only viable solution is to free ourselves from our dependence on oil entirely, by shifting to from our dependence on oil entirely, by shifting to other forms of energy”(Leeb, 5). other forms of energy”(Leeb, 5).

Reliance on Foreign OilReliance on Foreign Oil The following shows the location and quantity of world proven oil reserves.The following shows the location and quantity of world proven oil reserves. RANK COUNTRYRESERVES IN MILLION TONNESRANK COUNTRYRESERVES IN MILLION TONNES 1. Saudi Arabia 35,7001. Saudi Arabia 35,700 2. Iraq 13,4002. Iraq 13,400 3. Kuwait 13,3003. Kuwait 13,300 4. United Arab Emirates 12,7004. United Arab Emirates 12,700 5. Iran 12,0005. Iran 12,000 6. Venezuela 9,3006. Venezuela 9,300 7. Former USSR 7,8007. Former USSR 7,800 8. Mexico 7,1008. Mexico 7,100 9. Libya 3,9009. Libya 3,900 10. USA 3,70010. USA 3,700 11. China 3,30011. China 3,300 12. Nigeria 2,80012. Nigeria 2,800 13. Algeria 1,20013. Algeria 1,200 14. Norway 1,10014. Norway 1,100 15. Canada 90015. Canada 900 16. India 80016. India 800 17=Indonesia 700 17=Oman 700 17=Angola 70017=Indonesia 700 17=Oman 700 17=Angola 700 20=Malaysia 600 20=United Kingdom 600 20=Malaysia 600 20=United Kingdom 600 Source: BP Statistical Review of World Energy, 1996.Source: BP Statistical Review of World Energy, 1996.

Reliance on Foreign OilReliance on Foreign Oil

With such a high dependency on foreign oil With such a high dependency on foreign oil and with oil an essential component for and with oil an essential component for automobiles, a question arises: What steps automobiles, a question arises: What steps are being taken to create automobiles that are being taken to create automobiles that do not need oil to function?do not need oil to function?

Quality of Air/PollutionQuality of Air/Pollution

What are the major pollutants from motor What are the major pollutants from motor vehicles?vehicles?

Particulate matterParticulate matter HydrocarbonsHydrocarbons Nitrogen OxidesNitrogen Oxides Carbon monoxideCarbon monoxide Sulfur DioxideSulfur Dioxide Hazardous Air PollutantsHazardous Air Pollutants Greenhouse gases (i.e. carbon dioxide)Greenhouse gases (i.e. carbon dioxide)

Quality of Air/PollutionQuality of Air/Pollution Driving an automobile is one of the most polluting Driving an automobile is one of the most polluting

acts the average person does.acts the average person does. Vehicle operation contributes to air pollution in two Vehicle operation contributes to air pollution in two

ways.ways. One way vehicles contribute to air pollution is One way vehicles contribute to air pollution is

through emissions directly into the atmosphere.through emissions directly into the atmosphere. The second way vehicles contribute to air pollution The second way vehicles contribute to air pollution

is through chemical reactions between pollutants is through chemical reactions between pollutants in the atmosphere. in the atmosphere.

With factors such as global warming, With factors such as global warming, a diminishing oil supply, a reliance a diminishing oil supply, a reliance on foreign oil, and the quality of air on foreign oil, and the quality of air

playing roles in shaping energy playing roles in shaping energy efficient automobiles, why are we efficient automobiles, why are we

still dependent on oil to operate our still dependent on oil to operate our motor vehicles? motor vehicles?

Electric VehiclesElectric Vehicles

Since the introduction of the electric vehicle Since the introduction of the electric vehicle in 1996, policy has played a large part in the in 1996, policy has played a large part in the vehicles’ disappearance. The California Air vehicles’ disappearance. The California Air Resources Board initially mandated that in Resources Board initially mandated that in 1998 2% of all vehicles in California be zero-1998 2% of all vehicles in California be zero-emission vehicles. By 2003, that figure was emission vehicles. By 2003, that figure was to be 10%. to be 10%.

Electric VehiclesElectric Vehicles

Because the electric vehicles were becoming Because the electric vehicles were becoming increasingly popular, the auto manufacturers felt increasingly popular, the auto manufacturers felt pressure from the oil companies. pressure from the oil companies.

““The oil and automobile industry took the State (of The oil and automobile industry took the State (of California) to court, and won. The requirements California) to court, and won. The requirements were dropped, the electric cars taken off the roads were dropped, the electric cars taken off the roads and, supported by the Bush administration, and, supported by the Bush administration, attention shifted to the far-off hope of the hydrogen attention shifted to the far-off hope of the hydrogen car”(Smith, 64). car”(Smith, 64).

Hybrid VehiclesHybrid Vehicles

“ ‘“ ‘America is addicted to oil,’ said President Bush America is addicted to oil,’ said President Bush in his last State of the Union Address, adding that in his last State of the Union Address, adding that ‘the best way to break this addiction is through ‘the best way to break this addiction is through technology.’ He announced his Advanced Energy technology.’ He announced his Advanced Energy Initiative, which calls for investing more in reliable Initiative, which calls for investing more in reliable alternative energy sources that include solar and alternative energy sources that include solar and wind power. The President also intends to wind power. The President also intends to increase funding for better batteries for powering increase funding for better batteries for powering hybrid and electric cars, and for additional hybrid and electric cars, and for additional research into alternative fuels for research into alternative fuels for automobiles”(Reese, 16). automobiles”(Reese, 16).

Hybrid VehiclesHybrid Vehicles This statement about intentions to increase This statement about intentions to increase

funding for “better batteries for powering hybrid funding for “better batteries for powering hybrid and electric cars” came long after the effective, and electric cars” came long after the effective, zero-emission, non-reliant-on-oil, practical, electric zero-emission, non-reliant-on-oil, practical, electric vehicle had been banned with the help of the vehicle had been banned with the help of the government. The electric vehicle proved that government. The electric vehicle proved that there was an effective, energy efficient vehicle, yet there was an effective, energy efficient vehicle, yet the hybrid vehicle has come to take its place. The the hybrid vehicle has come to take its place. The hybrid vehicle still relies on oil, is not as energy hybrid vehicle still relies on oil, is not as energy efficient, and contributes to pollution more than the efficient, and contributes to pollution more than the electric vehicle. electric vehicle.

Hydrogen VehiclesHydrogen Vehicles

Leaving the electric vehicle behind and Leaving the electric vehicle behind and reverting back to an energy efficient vehicle reverting back to an energy efficient vehicle that still needs oil (the hybrid), hydrogen that still needs oil (the hybrid), hydrogen vehicles appear to be the next project on the vehicles appear to be the next project on the horizon. horizon.

Hydrogen VehiclesHydrogen Vehicles

““Government leaders have grown increasingly Government leaders have grown increasingly concerned about our dependence on foreign fossil concerned about our dependence on foreign fossil fuel. Ten thousand fuel cell vehicles running on fuel. Ten thousand fuel cell vehicles running on hydrogen would reduce oil consumption by seven hydrogen would reduce oil consumption by seven million gallons per year. The Department of million gallons per year. The Department of Energy has established goals for fuel cell Energy has established goals for fuel cell education to facilitate market acceptance and education to facilitate market acceptance and promote fuel cell technologies”(Hudak, 27). promote fuel cell technologies”(Hudak, 27).

Problems with Hybrid and Hydrogen Problems with Hybrid and Hydrogen VehiclesVehicles

As far as energy efficient vehicles are concerned, As far as energy efficient vehicles are concerned, the electric vehicle was the most promising in the electric vehicle was the most promising in terms of global warming, the diminishing oil terms of global warming, the diminishing oil supply, the reliance on foreign oil, and air quality. supply, the reliance on foreign oil, and air quality. The hybrid vehicle still needs oil and the reality of The hybrid vehicle still needs oil and the reality of an effective hydrogen vehicle is far off. Is it an effective hydrogen vehicle is far off. Is it possible that policy influenced the production of an possible that policy influenced the production of an energy efficient vehicle so that we would still rely energy efficient vehicle so that we would still rely on oil as we struggle for decades to effectively on oil as we struggle for decades to effectively create hydrogen vehicles?create hydrogen vehicles?

Suggestions to Address the IssueSuggestions to Address the Issue

““American policymakers are too paralyzed American policymakers are too paralyzed to act, terrified that to change U.S. energy to act, terrified that to change U.S. energy patterns would threaten the nation’s patterns would threaten the nation’s economy and geopolitical status”(Roberts, economy and geopolitical status”(Roberts, 15). 15).


While it may seem that decades have gone by While it may seem that decades have gone by addressing the issue of an energy efficient vehicle, addressing the issue of an energy efficient vehicle, there is much work that needs to be done. Some there is much work that needs to be done. Some of the following can help put the most energy of the following can help put the most energy efficient vehicles on the road.efficient vehicles on the road.

Demand energy efficient vehicles that do not use Demand energy efficient vehicles that do not use oil. Consumer demand is a powerful tool in the oil. Consumer demand is a powerful tool in the environmental economy.environmental economy.

Support policies and policymakers who will put Support policies and policymakers who will put their words into action in regards to creating the their words into action in regards to creating the most energy efficient vehicles.most energy efficient vehicles.


““If we do not aggressively pursue clean If we do not aggressively pursue clean technology but continue down a “business technology but continue down a “business as usual” path, we will overtax the earth’s as usual” path, we will overtax the earth’s ability to support its growing ability to support its growing population”(Pernick, 275). population”(Pernick, 275).

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