Harley-Davidson Discusses 50+ MPG Goal, Other Sustainability Efforts

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Motorcycle producer Harley-Davidson has five long-term strategic objectives, one of which is to “Grow Our Business Without Growing Our Environmental Impact.” Spurred by emissions regulations and an analysis of its value chain’s environmental impact, the iconic company laid out a fleet average fuel mileage goal of more than 50 miles per gallon by the year 2027. It also described its other efforts to reduce its ecosystem footprint going forward.

Fuel Economy

Harley-Davidson’s analysis confirmed that its greatest effect on the environment comes from the gasoline burned in the internal combustion motorcycles it produces. Thus, the company is investigating a number of design changes to improve its IC bikes’ fuel economy.

Future gas-powered Harleys might employ variable valve systems, smaller engines, direct injection, forced induction, and reductions to friction and weight, the company says. It has ruled out certain other fuel-saving innovations from the automotive world, at least for now.

“In some instances the technology is simply not transferable to a motorcycle,” the company says in a press release, “and in others, making the technology work would be cost prohibitive.”

Harley-Davidson’s fleet average fuel economy for 2018 was 44 mpg. In order to hit 50 mpg by 2027—up 15% from 2017 and 25% from 2011—the manufacturer plans to develop and sell more EVs (electric vehicles) such as the LiveWire mentioned in this blog in January.

Materials & Facilities

The second-greatest impact Harley-Davidson has on the environment stems from the extraction, production, and transformation of the materials that go into its products, all of which requires energy and other resources. The list includes not only the obvious steel, aluminum, plastic, and rubber that go into its motorbikes, but also the cotton and leather in its clothing line. The company has tasked its product development and sourcing personnel with reducing the amounts of material used and finding more environment-friendly options.

Finally, Harley-Davidson is looking at the energy its factories and distribution network use, as well as the waste they generate during operation. In order to cut energy consumption and work toward eliminating landfill waste, the company is exploring logistics and transportation optimization, as well as green energy avenues including the use of solar panels, large-scale renewable project investment, and renewable energy options provided by utilities.

You’ll find hundreds of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale every day on MotorSportsUniverse.com and ready to get you out on the highway.

Source: Harley-Davidson