Integrated Friction Reduction Technology to Improve Fuel Economy without Sacrificing Durability

This report describes the results of a study in response to the FY2014 Vehicle Technologies program DE-FOA-0000991 solicitation for fuel economy improvement of cars and trucks (Area of interest 11: powertrain friction and wear reduction). It stated, “parasitic losses within vehicle engines and drivetrains are responsible for approximately two million barrels of oil consumption per day in the US. These losses are caused by friction between components, movement of components through fluids, and movement of fluids through components”. The objective of the study is to develop and demonstrate friction and wear reduction technologies for light duty vehicles that improve fuel efficiency of legacy vehicles by at least 2%, without adverse impacts on vehicle performance or durability.