Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GEFI)

Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GEFI)

Part of: Prelims and GS-III- Cyber Security 

In News: According to GFEI 2021, the global goal to halve the fuel consumption of new light-duty vehicles by 2030 from 2005 levels is stalling. 

• The average rated fuel consumption of new light-duty vehicles fell by only 0.9% between 2017 and 2019. 
• The 3 major car markets – China, the European Union and the US – accounted for 60% of global sales of light-duty vehicles in 2019, which totalled 90 million, down 7% from 2017
• A number of factors were responsible for the slowing pace of improvement between 2017 and 2019. These included-
  • Stagnating fuel economy standards in the US and the EU up to 2019
  • Market share of SUVs is increased and these cars can use almost one-third more fuel than a medium-sized car
  • Slow adoption of electric cars to compensate for larger vehicles

About GFEI

• The Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) is collaboration between the UNEP, IEA, the University of California, International Council on Clean Transportation, International Transport Forum and the FIA Foundation.
• GFEI promotes fuel efficiency in cars and light duty vans, through the adoption of the cost effective fuel efficiency technologies.
• The objective of the GFEI is to help stabilize greenhouse gas emissions from the global light duty vehicle fleet through a 50% improvement of vehicle fuel efficiency worldwide by 2050.
• GFEI promotes the introduction of cleaner, more energy efficient vehicles in developing and transitional countries.
• It offers support to governments to develop fuel economy policies.