EPA did it. The testing protocols have always favored automatics, where the engine can be made to run in the optimum RPM range for fuel economy and emissions all the time. That’s why you’re seeing six and eight speed automatics now. A single-speed IC engine can be tuned to be very efficient and fairly clean. It’s the wide range of RPM required for direct drive of wheeled vehicles that makes them dirty.
Later in the article both the EPA and untrained drivers are mentioned.
EPA did it. The testing protocols have always favored automatics, where the engine can be made to run in the optimum RPM range for fuel economy and emissions all the time. That’s why you’re seeing six and eight speed automatics now. A single-speed IC engine can be tuned to be very efficient and fairly clean. It’s the wide range of RPM required for direct drive of wheeled vehicles that makes them dirty.
Exactly. And that is why the right way to build an electric car is to build one with an onboard generator powered with an internal combustion engine. The engine can be tuned for that perfect sweet spot and vehicle speed would be controlled by the amount of electricity send to the drive motors.
Were it not for the stupid green monsters, I suspect that would have been the model.