Source: BTS, National Transportation Statistics.

Energy Consumption by Road Transportation in the United States, 1970-2007 (in Trillion BTUs)

In terms of energy consumption by the road sector an important trend concerns the enduring stability of energy being consumed by the automobile. This is attributed to marginally better mileage but the most significant explanation relates to a shift in consumers preferences towards sports utility vehicles and other light trucks. This type of vehicle now accounts for as much energy consumption than the automobile, while essentially servicing the same type of mobility demand.