Ricardo helps shape US CAFE fuel economy rules

Technical support provided to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the final 2009 light duty vehicle CAFE rulemaking which will come into force for 2011 – consolidates Ricardo’s global position as a technology thought leader in fuel economy.

Ricardo provided its expert advice to NHTSA based on technical analysis of comments received for the Notice on Proposed Rule Making (NPRM), the process through which interested parties may comment on proposed US regulations. Ricardo was contracted as an objective and independent authority in assessing comments provided to the NPRM process on cost and effectiveness of fuel saving technologies. The NHTSA project drew on Ricardo’s full range of systems-engineering expertise, encompassing gasoline and diesel technology, hybrid propulsion, transmission and driveline systems, controls and electronics, and vehicle engineering. This role was recognized by NHTSA in the final published version of the 2009 CAFE rule, which states that: “NHTSA chose to contract Ricardo because of its extensive experience and expertise in working with both government and industry on fuel economy-improving technology issues.”

Ricardo’s work for NHTSA builds upon previous support provided by the company to US authorities including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Academy of Sciences, and branches of the military. In addition to the company’s long-standing work for customers across the automotive, commercial vehicle and off-highway sectors, this NHTSA project further demonstrates Ricardo’s position as a global thought leader in fuel economy. As with its work for regulatory authorities in Europe, Asia and elsewhere, Ricardo provides its objective and independent guidance to regulators to help ensure that future regulation is both feasible and practical from a manufacturing and technology standpoint.