Ford is relying on its EcoBoost engine and sharp reductions in vehicle bulk to meet its low carbon goals – putting electrification into the back seat for now
The carmaker will report next week that it could surpass its 2020 goal of cutting CO2 emissions from its new U.S. and European cars by 30 percent compared with 2006. The greater confidence will be highlighted in its annual Sustainability Report, which will be released June 15.
Up to now, the Dearborn manufacturer has maintained that it is on track to reach the goal.
Ford's economical EcoBoost engine is one leg of the carbon-reduction stategy. Weight loss is the other.
The greater-than-expected progress is the result of a two-pronged effort to push its economical EcoBoost engine into existing models and take hundreds of pounds out of next-generation designs, says John Viera, director of sustainable business practices.
Ford sent the EcoBoost into production last year and the engine could be available in more than a million vehicles annually by 2013. Its greater fuel efficiency comes from the use of high-pressure fuel injection, which sprays cylinders with a mist of gasoline. Fuel economy gains can be up to 20 percent. Performance improvements allow V6 motors to be used in place of V8s, and 4s instead of 6s.
Ford is accompanying the EcoBoost with more modest steps it calls “1 percent” enhancements. A six-speed transmission might be installed instead of a five-speed, or electric power-assist steering might be used to cut down on resistance.
Major overhauls of production vehicles are done every four to six years, and new designs will see a big focus on weight reduction.The initiative could take 250 to 750 pounds out of cars, major steps for an industry that rejoices at taking 10 pounds from a current model.
Some of the weight reduction will come from the use of different materials, particularly aluminum and high-strength steel. The consequence is that less energy will be needed to power cars, and engines can be downsized. So a 1.7 liter, four-cylinder motor can substitute for a 2.4 liter.
As to greater engine efficiencies from breakthroughs in internal-combustion design, technology gains are difficult to project at this time. “I don’t necessarily see that on the horizon,” says Viera.
Ford claims its 30 percent emissions cuts are necessary to blunt the environment impact of global warming. Cars and trucks contribute 20 percent of the world’s CO2 emissions, and if the danger line is 450 parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere, as some scientists believe, then the 30-percent target is what the company needs to do its part. The CO2 level is about 380 ppm today.
Vierra says the role of electric cars in climate change will be limited for the immediate future because of their comparatively small volumes. Electric cars and trucks will play a far more important role in the 2030 to 2040 timeframe, when the world will need to move away from fossil fuels for transportation, he says.
It is important to prepare for that shift today.
Posted by Mark Boslet 
