The Effects of Market Size and Fuel Costs on Fuel-Saving Technology Adoption in Passenger Vehicles

Passenger vehicle fuel economy standards require substantial new vehicle fuel economy improvements over the next decade. We demonstrate a strong link between a vehicle's market size (sales) and automakers' adoption of fuel-saving technology.

RFF on the Issues: Improving Electric Vehicles

Is it possible to create a new transportation system where electric vehicles are the norm? Lawrence Burns, former vice president of research & development and planning at General Motors, says yes.

The Impacts of Biofuel Mandates on Food Prices and Emissions

Renewable fuel standards have been blamed for rising food prices, but population growth and dietary shifts play a significant role.

The Long-Run Impact of Biofuels on Food Prices

The conversion of pasture and forest land to farming due to biofuels mandates may cause a modest increase in food prices—although population growth and income-driven preferences for meat and dairy over cereals may play as much of a role.

Research Questions for the Midterm CAFE Review: Credit Trading and Flexibility under the New Rules

This is the fourth and final blog post in a series by RFF’s transportation team that addresses some of the key research questions for the midterm CAFE review.

Research Questions for the Midterm CAFE Review: Will the Footprint-Based CAFE Standard Work as Expected?

This is the third in a series of blog posts by RFF’s transportation team that addresses some of the key research questions for the midterm CAFE review.

Research Questions for the Midterm CAFE Review: The Fuel Efficiency Gap

This is the second in a series of blog posts by RFF’s transportation team that will address some of the key research questions for the midterm CAFE review.

Research Questions for the Midterm CAFE Review

Our country is about to enter the most important period this decade for the future of transportation and its associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Preparing for the Midterm Review of the Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rate Standards for Light-Duty Vehicles: A Summary of Priority Research Questions

Using Natural Gas to Lower Fuel Costs

With low-cost, abundant natural gas now available in the United States and the promise of new fuel and vehicle technologies on the rise, an opportunity may soon exist for industry (and consumers) to expand the use of natural gas in the form of a liquid fuel for passenger cars and trucks. In new research, RFF’s Arthur Fraas, Winston Harrington, and Richard Morgenstern find that replacing some of the domestic gasoline currently used for these vehicles with natural gas–based liquid fuels could bring economic and energy security benefits.