Future Technologies
The Current State of Play
All car manufacturers are now focusing on improving fuel-efficiency, and over the next few years we will see many combinations of technologies and fuels/power sources emerging into the marketplace.
Short-term
The European Commission has announced manufacturers must reduce vehicle emissions from the current average of 160 grams/km to 120 grams/km by 2012.
To meet these standards, manufacturers are applying:
- stop-start technology in petrol and diesel engines
- turbo-charging in small petrol engines
- cylinder de-activation.
Increasing use of bio-fuels is also likely.
Medium-term
Hybrids and electric vehicles will start to take a bigger role. Currently EV technology looks expensive for the limited gains that it provides, but with refinement we may see a vehicle that we can plug in at night and charge when parked during the day.
Hybrids and electric vehicles will start to take a bigger role. Currently EV technology looks expensive for the limited gains that it provides, but with refinement we may see a vehicle that we can plug in at night and charge when parked during the day.
Longer-term
It is likely that in the future we will all be driving electric cars. Some of these will be battery-powered only, while others may have an auxiliary power unit such as a hydrogen powered fuel-cell, or a petrol or diesel generator on board.
It is likely that in the future we will all be driving electric cars. Some of these will be battery-powered only, while others may have an auxiliary power unit such as a hydrogen powered fuel-cell, or a petrol or diesel generator on board.
Finding out more
The Michelin Challenge Bibendum showcases the very latest in drivetrain technology, fuels and their application and performance.
Technical round tables are conducted with independent experts, and some of their key findings from the 2007 Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai are published here.
The Michelin Challenge Bibendum showcases the very latest in drivetrain technology, fuels and their application and performance.
Technical round tables are conducted with independent experts, and some of their key findings from the 2007 Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai are published here.
