Improving Fuel Economy

The price of fuel continues to increase on a global basis, while market demand in many countries suggests a consumer preference for better performance and larger vehicles.   Yet, in many markets, cost is still a dominant driver in the vehicle choices that consumers make.  Given these obviously conflicting market dynamics, OEM’s are under significantly greater pressure to find a delicate balance between fuel economy, performance, emissions and cost. 

FEV is uniquely positioned to help its customers to design, develop and integrate new technologies to improve the fuel economy in existing powertrains and vehicles.   We offer solutions to assist our customers as they work to meet future needs, including a vast amount of experience, capabilities and facilities that can be quickly and efficiently directed toward improving fuel economy for both conventional and alternatively fueled concepts.

We offer methodologies that help meet aggressive fuel economy targets for future gasoline fuelled engines.   Our engineers are continually working on new combustion system concepts, including conventional PFI and direct injected concepts as well as various charging techniques and combustion system improvements.

New diesel engine and fuel injection concepts are under continuous development at FEV, as well as the development of new technologies that present dramatic opportunities to improve fuel economy such as hybrid vehicle concepts and fuel cells.  These, in combination with our electronic and mechatronic capabilities, provide our customers with vast opportunities for cost-effective solutions.

FEV engineers offer a vast array of CAE capabilities to model fuel economy critical powertrain features such as the friction, lubrication, cooling and accessory drive systems.   FEV has been a pioneer in the development of mechanically variable valvetrain technologies and cylinder deactivation systems.  Advanced concepts such as highly boosted, downsized powertrains and emerging technologies such as electromechanical valvetrain (camless) technologies are under continuous development at FEV. 

Regardless of the specific technology or product, FEV analysts work closely with our customers to evaluate and implement ways to harness additional fuel consumption benefit from reduced heat transfer, reduced pumping losses, better thermal efficiency, and lower friction.

FEV's engineers are busy today, preparing and utilizing practical solutions for the next generation of vehicles.  Click on one of the related technologies highlighted above, or select “contact us” for more information.