Our life-cycle management approach includes designing vehicles to improve their fuel efficiency and reduce their greenhouse gas impacts. When most people think of designing for fuel efficiency, they think of advanced engine and powertrain technologies – and we are developing and implementing those (see Sustainable Technologies and Alternative Fuels Plan). However, we are also working to improve fuel efficiency by optimizing all elements of vehicle design, materials and sub-system performance. For example, we are implementing weight reductions, improved aerodynamics and vehicle electrical system efficiencies – all of which contribute to improving fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

One example of our non-powertrain "design for fuel efficiency" activities is our work to reduce vehicle electricity loads and increase the efficiency of vehicle electrical systems. Today's vehicles are loaded with features that require significant amounts of electricity, including starter systems, air conditioning, power steering and so forth. Since generating electricity places a load on the engine, these kinds of features can have the effect of decreasing fuel economy. Also, onboard electrical networks can become overloaded, causing an inconsistent supply of power, which means it would be better not to run all systems simultaneously. Our researchers are working to resolve these challenges through the use of electronics modules, communications technologies and intelligent control and software algorithms to improve overall vehicle energy efficiency.

In the longer term, we are also developing electronics and communications systems that will be able to actively improve vehicle fuel efficiency. For example, we are developing the use of global positioning system sensors and digital maps to determine the altitude and other driving conditions of a vehicle and then adjust the air-to-fuel ratio to ensure optimum fuel efficiency and minimum undesirable tailpipe emissions. With these systems, a car will "know" in advance when it will be going uphill or downhill, so it can alter its battery charging strategy accordingly; charging the battery while rolling down a hill is "free," but charging it while going uphill consumes more fuel. We are also developing communication systems that will allow vehicles to communicate with one another to determine the most fuel-efficient vehicle speeds and routes, given traffic and road conditions. With approximately 900 million vehicles on the road today, there is a significant opportunity to harness the "knowledge" of each vehicle to improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles based on drivers' ability to make more informed decisions.

For a detailed overview of our efforts to improve fuel efficiency and reduce the greenhouse gas impacts of our vehicles, including via engine and powertrain technologies, weight reductions, aerodynamics, electrical efficiencies and other actions, please see our Sustainable Technologies and Alternative Fuels Plan.