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America's
Transportation Energy Use
Transportation
comprises 28% of total U.S. energy use. Oil provides nearly all
of this energy. In the next two decades, the Energy Information
Administration expects transportation energy consumption to rise
faster than usage in the economy at large (1.8% per year vs. 1.4%
per year). However, technical improvements in vehicles and reasonable
government policies that encourage efficiency could substantially
reduce or eliminate this increase.
Transportation
Energy Use as Part of Entire U.S. Energy Picture
(2003
data - 98.2 Quadrillion BTU)
Source:
EIA's Annual Energy Outlook (2005)
The
transportation sector is fueled almost entirely by petroleum products.
Of these, gasoline accounts for close to two-thirds and diesel fuel,
one-fifth.
Petroleum
Is Dominant Transport Sector Fuel (2003)
Source:
EIA's Annual Energy Outlook (2005)
Breakdown
of Transport Petroleum (2003)
Source:
EIA's Annual Energy Outlook (2005)
Trends
of increased driving and stalled fuel economy lead to growing
energy use in the transportation sector, which has severe consequences
for both oil security and the
environment. Oil consumption
grew 32% from 1971 to 2003. Oil use has accelerated recently, increasing
20% from 1991 to 2003.
Transportation
Petroleum Consumption Has Increased
Source:
EERE's Transportation Energy Data Book Ed. 24
Reversing
these trends will require expanding transportation options for individuals
and businesses. Technology improvements, such as those listed below,
may also be necessary.
- Lightweighting:
Many
conventional powertrain improvements and weight reduction techinques
can combine to make a significantly more energy-efficient vehicle.
- Hybrid-Electric
Vehicles: Hybrids use both an internal combustion engine and electric
motor to improve vehicle fuel economy.
- Alternative
Fuels: Widespread use of alt-fuels — including corn or cellulosic
ethanol, bio-diesel, and natural gas — has been proposed
as a method to reduce oil dependence and vehicle emissions.
- Diesel:
Diesel-powered vehicles, enjoying a resurgence in Europe, offer
the possibility of 20-30% better fuel economy over their gasoline
counterparts.
- Hydrogen:
Hydrogen fuel cells remain a long-term possibility with CO2-free
potential. If hydrogen were sustainably produced, fuel cells could
dramatically reduce environmental impacts and eliminate the petroleum
consumption of cars and trucks.
Changes in
transportation policies are
also an essential component of enhancing the energy efficiency of
the sector.
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