{"id":1778,"date":"2014-02-27T11:23:55","date_gmt":"2014-02-27T11:23:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atttraining.com\/auto\/?p=1778"},"modified":"2014-03-28T14:13:05","modified_gmt":"2014-03-28T14:13:05","slug":"eight-steps-to-a-more-economical-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/?p=1778","title":{"rendered":"Eight steps to a more economical car"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Source: Bosch Media)<\/p>\n

February marks the start of car buying season \u2013 and cost-effective drive systems are an ever more prominent factor in their choices. Modern powertrain technology can cut fuel bills by several hundred euros. Examples include Bosch’s expanded start\/ stop function and adaptive cruise control (ACC), which by keeping speeds as constant as possible makes journeys more economical. “Many Bosch innovations help drivers to save fuel \u2013 and money \u2013 with every mile they drive,” says Stefan Seiberth, president of the Gasoline Systems division of Robert Bosch GmbH. But fuel-efficient functions need not always cost a lot; some technologies \u2013 among them the start\/stop system \u2013 are now standard equipment in many models, while others are popular extras. Let us take the example of automatic transmission: for a long time it was a rule of thumb that automatic transmission increases fuel consumption in real traffic conditions by around a litre per hundred kilometres. But this is not true of Bosch continuously variable transmission (CVT), which actually saves fuel by constantly optimizing engine speed. Here we take a more detailed look at each of the stepping stones to fuel efficiency:<\/p>\n

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Direct injection \u2013 reduces consumption by at least twelve percent<\/strong>
\nModern common-rail diesel systems have relied on direct injection for many years. In 2000, this technology revolutionized the image of diesel cars, making them not only economical but also fun to drive. These days, every second new car sold is a diesel. Gasoline direct injection, meanwhile, works with downsizing and turbocharging to reduce fuel consumption and hence CO2<\/sub> emissions by around twelve percent. At the same time, gasoline cars with direct injection are more powerful and hence also more fun to drive.<\/p>\n

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Continuously variable transmission \u2013 reduces consumption by up to seven percent<\/strong>
\nDriving up a winding mountain road can be a tiresome task. None of the gears seems to be right. Automatic transmissions make this task much easier, taking over the task of shifting and gear selection. Advanced versions already offer up to nine gears for more efficient mobility. Continuously variable transmissions (CVT) even work without any fixed shifting point. The result is a smooth drive at constant traction and engine speed. CVT especially comes into its own in urban stop-and-go traffic. It can reduce fuel consumption by as much as seven percent, since the engine is constantly kept at its most efficient operating point.<\/p>\n

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Start\/ stop \u2013 fuel is no longer used at a red light, reducing consumption by at least five percent<\/strong>
\nAlready, every second new vehicle produced in western Europe is equipped with a start\/ stop system. In many models \u2013 from low-cost compact cars to high-performance premium sedans \u2013 this function comes as standard at no extra charge. In the new European driving cycle (NEDC), start\/ stop systems reduce fuel consumption, and thus CO2<\/sub> emissions, by up to five percent. In the NEDC urban cycle, the saving is as much as eight percent. On congested city streets, especially at peak times, the real savings potential is even higher.<\/p>\n

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Alternative powertrains \u2013 CNG cars can pay off from 7,000 km upwards<\/strong>
\nCompressed natural gas (CNG) powertrains are now a real alternative even in series-produced vehicles. In Germany, they pay off in passenger cars as soon as annual mileage exceeds 7,000 kilometres. This is also because CNG is as much as 50 percent less expensive than gasoline. Compared with a conventional gasoline engine, generating the same power causes 25 percent less CO2<\/sub> to be emitted. This is due to the chemical properties of this fuel source. The Bosch system can start in CNG mode even when it is cold, which means that customers can practically always drive on more cheaply priced natural gas. Other systems have to use expensive gasoline to warm up in the starting phase.<\/p>\n

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Electrification \u2013 reduces consumption by up to 60 percent<\/strong>
\nWith the strong-hybrid systems currently made by Bosch, drivers can reduce their fuel consumption in the NEDC by 15 to 25 percent. These days, many automakers offer this kind of hybrid vehicle with just a moderate mark-up; in fact sometimes a hybrid costs the same amount as a comparable diesel car. This means hybrids can pay off even in the midsize “Golf” class. Plug-in hybrids currently cost substantially more. But these can reduce energy costs by up to 90 percent, provided users always remember to charge up at the socket. These hybrids are especially suitable in the midsize segment, as electric SUVs, and as sports cars.<\/p>\n

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Coasting function \u2013 stopping the engine while driving reduces consumption by ten percent<\/strong>
\nBosch start\/ stop coasting lets even vehicles with an internal-combustion engine travel long distances without generating emissions or noise and with little resistance. This innovative technology stops the engine while driving, which means it consumes no fuel. The low-cost coasting function saves up to ten percent of fuel in real driving conditions. The engine is stopped without the driver noticing whenever the vehicle is able to keep its speed up simply by coasting \u2013 for instance on a gentle downhill slope. As soon as the driver depresses the accelerator or the brake, the engine starts up again.<\/p>\n

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Predictive navigation \u2013 deliberate coasting on the approach to built-up areas<\/strong>
\nBosch predictive navigation ties map data in with the vehicle’s powertrain, allowing drivers to save up to 15 percent of fuel. The engine management system uses the route preview both in its dynamic calculations of how much power the powertrain needs and in its predictive control of the internal-combustion engine or electric motor. For example, when the navigation software sees that the current two-kilometre downhill stretch of road leads to a built-up area, it can tell the vehicle to enter fuel-efficient coasting mode or to generate more power for the electric drive.<\/p>\n

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Adaptive cruise control \u2013 driving at a constant speed reduces consumption by up to five percent<\/strong>
\nAdaptive cruise control (ACC) makes drivers’ lives easier by keeping to the specified speed, taking account of vehicles in front, and maintaining a safe distance from them. Radar sensors monitor traffic and adjust the speed accordingly. ACC is now available as an extra even in many compact cars.<\/p>\n

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By maintaining a constant speed and ensuring the engine always operates at the most efficient speed for every situation, the system is able to save up to five percent of fuel in real driving conditions.<\/p>\n

The potential fuel savings outlined above relate in each case to the system described. A total saving of over 100 percent is physically impossible.<\/p>\n

Video<\/strong>
\n\"\"<\/a>Gasoline direct injection<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Source: Bosch Media) February marks the start of car buying season \u2013 and cost-effective drive systems are an ever more prominent factor in their choices. Modern powertrain technology can cut fuel bills by several hundred euros. Examples include Bosch’s expanded start\/ stop function and adaptive cruise control (ACC), which by keeping speeds as constant as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[15,26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1778","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-automotive","category-ev-and-hybrid"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p79TdE-sG","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":239,"url":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/?p=239","url_meta":{"origin":1778,"position":0},"title":"Electronic throttle","author":"Tom Denton","date":"April 30, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"In April 2010, Bosch produced its 50 millionth DV-E electric throttle device at its Nuremberg plant. The unit regulates the air supply in the gasoline engine\u2019s intake tract. It consists of a throttle device with an electric drive and an angle sensor. On the basis of the accelerator position, the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Automotive"","block_context":{"text":"Automotive","link":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/?cat=15"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":1509,"url":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/?p=1509","url_meta":{"origin":1778,"position":1},"title":"Production milestone for gasoline direct injection","author":"Tom Denton","date":"November 16, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"50 million injection valves and 10 million high-pressure pumps manufactured at Bosch Rapid market growth continues Gasoline direct injection is key for economical engines Up to 15 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions Global manufacturing network Gasoline direct injection systems are continuing to enjoy rapid market growth. Thanks to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Automotive"","block_context":{"text":"Automotive","link":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/?cat=15"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":1229,"url":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/?p=1229","url_meta":{"origin":1778,"position":2},"title":"Diesel injection technology with up to 2,500 bar injection pressure","author":"Tom Denton","date":"September 13, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Some interesting information from Bosch (www.bosch.com): As a pioneer of diesel injection technology, Bosch offers a wide range of common-rail systems for diverse markets and applications. From two to twelve cylinders, for the Asian, European, and U.S. markets - Bosch has the right system in its portfolio for every kind\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Automotive"","block_context":{"text":"Automotive","link":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/?cat=15"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":229,"url":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/?p=229","url_meta":{"origin":1778,"position":3},"title":"Bosch Common Rail Systems","author":"Tom Denton","date":"April 21, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0Bosch Common Rail Systems Lower fuel consumption \u2013 lower emissions Robust and powerful \u00b7 CRS2-18-OHW tailored to the specific requirements of the off-highway segment \u00b7 CRSN3.3 for on- and off-highway applications \u00b7 Cost-effective high-pressure pumps with up to 1,800-bar injection pressure Bosch diesel-injection systems deliver low pollutant emissions and reduced\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Automotive"","block_context":{"text":"Automotive","link":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/?cat=15"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2383,"url":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/?p=2383","url_meta":{"origin":1778,"position":4},"title":"Electrification and internet in the car","author":"Tom Denton","date":"May 7, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Bosch is linking new technologies to gasoline and diesel \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gasoline engines: 350 bar for direct injection \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Diesel engines: 48-volt hybrid to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Rolf Bulander: \u201cBits and bytes are making cars more efficient\u201d Paper for download: Dr. Rolf Bulander - Powertrain optimization using a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Automotive"","block_context":{"text":"Automotive","link":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/?cat=15"},"img":{"alt_text":"1-DS-19451-e","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/1-DS-19451-e-e1430995175337-1024x486.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/1-DS-19451-e-e1430995175337-1024x486.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/1-DS-19451-e-e1430995175337-1024x486.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/1-DS-19451-e-e1430995175337-1024x486.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1570,"url":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/?p=1570","url_meta":{"origin":1778,"position":5},"title":"History of the humble spark plug","author":"Tom Denton","date":"March 1, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"On January 7, 1902, Bosch was granted the patent for a high-voltage magneto in combination with a spark plug. This invention was the first to guarantee reliable ignition of the air-fuel mixture in internal combustion engines, meaning Bosch spark plugs helped to achieve a breakthrough in the automotive industry. For\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Automotive"","block_context":{"text":"Automotive","link":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/?cat=15"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1778","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1778"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1778\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2057,"href":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1778\/revisions\/2057"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1778"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1778"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/tomdenton.org\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1778"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}