Blog Post


Observations on the current happenings in the world of vehicles and the fuels that power them from Fuels Institute Executive Director, John Eichberger.

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Things Will be Different (And Together We’ll Push On)

  John Eichberger |  April 6, 2020

There is nothing normal about what is happening throughout the world right now–a worldwide pandemic, oil price wars between two major global players, a stock market operating on the fundamentals of a yo-yo, and glares of condemnation towards anyone suffering with seasonal allergies.

Ring of Fire

  John Eichberger |  March 2, 2020

In mid-January, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its Annual Energy Outlook 2020 presenting their projections for the energy sector through 2050. I look forward to this report every year – it is big and complex, but when using the interactive table viewer, I am able to narrow my focus on those elements that will have the most relevance to the transportation energy market.

The More Things Change

  John Eichberger |  January 29, 2020

As we begin a new decade, I will predict that the transportation market at the end of 2029 will look remarkably different from the one we just left at the end of 2019. Many of the pieces that will shape the next 10 years are beginning to fall into place and there is tremendous enthusiasm throughout the market.

Counting Blue Cars

  John Eichberger |  December 23, 2019

Powertrain. Performance. Safety. Efficiency. Price. These are the things we most often discuss when we try to unravel why people buy one vehicle over another – they are measurable, comparable, rational.  But – are car buyers always rational?

Electric Avenue

  John Eichberger |  November 25, 2019

At the direction of its Board of Advisors, the Fuels Institute is launching an Electric Vehicle Council to better understand how the market can deliver electricity in a way that meets the drivers’ needs as well as the needs of those interested in delivering the electricity. Yep, we have said for years that “fuels” does not mean just liquid, it means all energy powering transportation.

Been Caught Stealing

  John Eichberger |  October 22, 2019

Not all good ideas have to be unique or original. In fact, some of the best ideas I have ever shared definitely came from somewhere else. When I stumble across stories and concepts that strike me as relevant to the future of the transportation sector, I want to help spread those stories to as many as possible.

You Might Think

  John Eichberger |  September 25, 2019

There are so many story lines affecting the transportation energy sector, and so many diverse opinions about where the market may be heading, that it is truly a fascinating time to be a part of it. A perk of being part of the Fuels Institute is that we don’t have a preference for how the market evolves, we simply want to provide a data-centric perspective to help inform those responsible for the evolution.

Don’t You (Forget About Me)

  John Eichberger |  September 10, 2019

At a time when it seems all attention is being directed towards electrification of the transportation market, it is important to not forget about a very important and perhaps most important component of that market – gasoline prices. Gas prices play a huge role in the market – they move a lot throughout the year, are affected by a huge variety of internal and external forces, influence consumer behavior and sentiment, and likely will influence the rate of adoption of alternative powertrain technologies.
 

Mama Said Knock You Out

  John Eichberger |  August 2, 2019

Headlines coming across the pond from Europe could lead one to believe that the future for diesel engines and fuel was bleak – but nothing could be further from the truth. While there are serious headwinds that must be addressed, diesel is likely to continue to reign supreme as the fuel of choice for heavy duty commerce.

Photograph

  John Eichberger |  July 22, 2019

So many have a vision of the future that is dominated by electrified powertrains and autonomous vehicles operating in a service-for-hire market, but that is so different from what is happening today that it seems almost like a fantasy.