TheIronWarrior
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But also with VW, when they put a TDI in a Jetta, they kept the same size tank, which significantly upped the range (by something like 80% if I recall correctly). They didn't decide to put a smaller tank in the TDI to maintain the same range of the gas engine version while reaping the benefits of the smaller capacity.The automotive industry is faced with balancing economy and emissions requirements vs power and driver experience. If increases in fuel economy are achieved, they can reduce the fuel capacity (weight) and achieve a range that consumers find acceptable. Reducing weight helps fuel economy and 'performance'.
As with 'VW Dieselgate', lower emissions does not always equate to better fuel economy.
I just mean, did they sit down and research and calculate that 600km in a tank for a car is optimal, or is it more of an old holdover where there's no need to have a tank exceed 600km because that's what people are used to, so we can take advantage of the benefits of a reduced fuel volume without sacrificing range, instead of going for an increased range.
Basically, did what seems to be a standard number come from science or just out of someone's butt and no one feels the need to change it.