Explaining gas mileage to your children

[matrix243]

Raptor sales volume is miniscule compared to rest of the volume of ice vehicles. After that its just arguing whether there should be vehicles for leisure in general.

 

[jhodro]

Several studies have concluded that synthetic fuels for existing I.C.E. engines is prob going to give us the best bang for the buck in reducing greenhouse emissions. Given the enormous costs (both environmental and economic) of electric vehicles, the problems with recycling battery packs, and our aging and insufficient electrical grids and electrical production - electric vehicles aren't a viable or even effective solution to a problem which is mostly created by electrical production, large scale shipping, animal farming, etc.

However, let's not get so wrapped up into I.C.E. identity politics that we forget that one can draw a direct line from fuel economy standards to the horsepower wars of the 2000s - today. As the bar was raised on fuel economy and emissions standards, it forced innovation which has now led us to significantly better technology (greater use of forced induction, direct injection, cylinder head designs, 10 speed transmissions, etc.) which allows for 500hp+ daily drivers to get better fuel mileage than an economy car from 40 years ago and last for 200k+ miles while doing so.

 

[goblues38]

I’m still trying to explain smiles per gallon to my wife and everyone else…

My wife knows I am a "car guy" but she still doesn't truly understand what that means.

 

[castine917]

^^^Oh yes, and that is especially true when your vehicle is in the 6,000 pound bracket, doesn't try to hug the ground, and in general is about as aerodynamic as a brick! CAIs, intake air "swirl inducers," etc. are all money-making propaganda. There is one and only one fuel saving device that is effective on trucks like the Raptor - a mature right foot.

What about turbos in combination with the mature right foot?

 

[Grayson]

Since this was brought back up...

I am not disputing global warming at all but vehicles & fossil fuels aren't the sole causes of the planet warming. Cows contribute 12%-14% of pollutants (methane). The human population has skyrocketed and our impact on ecosystems without including transportation or energy is a large factor. Warmer temperatures are going to occur regardless of humanity, we are just speeding things up.