Who is the innovation leader in energy efficient transportation? According to Amory Lovins, automobile manufacturers are contributing to R&D and developing lightweight platforms and efficient engine prototypes that demonstrate the superior economics of fuel efficient vehicles. However, despite higher oil prices there is no dramatic need that would compel them to wholly abandon the asymmetric design and inefficient platforms of today.

The United States military, on the other hand, does not have that luxury. Faced with the new dynamics of warfare, they need agility, mobility, range, and endurance. They can no longer expend a vast majority of their resources on the logistics of fuel. They are actively pursuing and implementing energy efficient design, and the result of their efforts may one day prove the catalyst for a transformation in the commercial transportation industry. This is the second of a two-part presentation on “Energy Efficiency in Transportation”. It is also the third in a series of five talks on Energy Efficiency by Amory Lovins and is brought to you by MAP.