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Background
Existing Tests and Methods
Fuel economy estimates have been provided to consumers since the 1970s as a tool
to help shoppers compare the fuel economy of different vehicles. Currently, EPA relies
on data from two laboratory tests to determine the city and highway fuel economy
estimates. The test methods for calculating these estimates were last revised in 1984,
when the fuel economy derived from the two tests were adjusted downward - 10
percent for city and 22 percent for highway - to more accurately reflect driving styles
and conditions.
The city and highway tests are currently performed under mild climate conditions (75
degrees F) and include acceleration rates and driving speeds that EPA believes are
generally lower than those used by drivers in the real world. Neither test is run while
using accessories, such as air conditioning. The highway test has a top speed of 60
miles per hour, and an average speed of only 48 miles per hour.
Since the mid-1990s, EPAs emissions certification program has required the use
of three additional tests which capture a much broader range of real-world driving
conditions, including high-speed, fast-acceleration driving, the use of air conditioning,
and colder temperature operation (20 degrees F). These conditions affect not only the
amount of air pollutants a vehicle emits, but also a vehicle's fuel economy. However,
these tests were not required to measure fuel economy.
The New Methods to Determine Fuel Economy Estimates
For the first time, the EPA fuel economy estimates will use vehicle-specific data from
tests designed to replicate three real-world conditions, which can significantly affect
fuel economy: high speed/rapid acceleration driving, use of air conditioning, and cold
temperature operation. Previously, these conditions were accounted for by across-the-
board adjustments, rather than by vehicle-specific testing.
EPAs new fuel economy estimates will also reflect other conditions that influence fuel
economy, like road grade, wind, tire pressure, load, and the effects of different fuel
properties. The fuel economy for each vehicle model will continue to be presented to
consumers on the label as city and highway MPG estimates.
In 2011, manufacturers will need to perform additional cold temperature, air
conditioning, and/or high speed/rapid acceleration driving tests for those vehicles most
sensitive to these conditions. However, in order to provide consumers with better
fuel economy estimates sooner, EPA will use new calculation methods that capture
these driving conditions. These estimates will begin with model year 2008 vehicles.
The interim period from model year 2008 to model year 2011 will give manufacturers
enough time to plan for this additional testing, while providing consumers with
estimates that capture more realistic driving conditions.
EPA Issues New Test Methods for Fuel
Economy Window Stickers
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How the New Test Methods Will Affect Fuel Economy
Estimates
Under EPA's new methods, the new fuel economy estimates for most vehicles will be
lower. This is not because auto makers have designed the same vehicles to be less fuel
efficient - it is because our new test methods take into account factors that have been
missing or not fully accounted for in the current tests. Because some vehicles are more
sensitive to these factors than others, the impact of the changes will vary from vehicle
to vehicle.
Compared to today's estimates, the city mpg estimates for the manufacturers of most
vehicles will drop by about 12 percent on average, and by as much as 30 percent for
some vehicles. The highway mpg estimates will drop on average by about 8 percent,
and by as much as 25 percent for some vehicles.
In vehicles that achieve generally better fuel economy, such as gasoline-electric hybrid
vehicles, new city estimates will be about 20 to 30 percent lower than today's labels,
and new highway estimates will be 10 to 20 percent lower. The nature of current
hybrid technology - the addition of a battery as a second source of on-board power,
sophisticated control systems, and sometimes a smaller engine - makes a hybrid's fuel
economy more sensitive to certain factors, such as colder weather and air conditioning
use. However, many hybrid models will remain among the most fuel-efficient vehicles
on the market.
Since driving behaviors and conditions vary, there is no test that can perfectly predict
the fuel economy that every driver will get. With any estimate, there will always be
times when a driver's actual fuel economy will be higher or lower. However, EPA's new
test methods will do a better job of bringing the estimates on the window sticker closer
to people's real-world fuel economy experience.
Laboratory Tests Reflect Real-World Conditions
It is essential that EPA's fuel economy estimates continue to be derived from controlled,
repeatable laboratory tests to enable a standardized or "level playing field," comparison
between all vehicle models. However, the underlying calculations to determine the
estimates are based on data from real-world driving behavior and conditions. Laboratory
testing also preserves EPA's ability to confirm the results of manufacturers' testing.
Auto makers will continue to be responsible for performing the fuel economy
testing and calculating the label mpg estimates. EPA will continue to confirm the
manufacturers' test results by performing audit testing at its National Vehicle and Fuel
Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Larger SUVs and vans required to have fuel economy
labels
Because the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has recently ruled to integrate
medium-duty passenger vehicles (MDPVs), including large SUVs and vans, into the
Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program starting in 2011, EPA must now
include these vehicles in the fuel economy labeling program. Thus, EPA will be requiring
fuel economy labeling of certain passenger vehicles up to 10,000 Ib gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR). These vehicles used to be exempt because they weighed more
than the previous cut-off of 8,500 Ib. Vehicle manufacturers will be required to post fuel
economy labels on MDPVs beginning with the 2011 model year.
Fuel Economy Label Design
To more clearly convey fuel economy information to consumers, EPA has revised
the design and content of the fuel economy window sticker that appears on new
automobiles.
EPA Fuel Economy Estimates
CITY MPG
18
Expected range
for most drivers
15 to 21 MPG
These estimates reflect new EPA methods beginning with 2008 models.
HIGHWAY MPG
Estimated
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,100
based on 15,000 miles
at $2.80 per gallon
Combined Fuel Economy
This Vehicle
21
T
All SUVs
Expected range
for most drivers
21 to 29 MPG
Your actual
mileage will vary
depending on how you
drive and maintain
your vehicle.
See the FREE Fuel Economy Guide at dealers or www.fueleconomy.gov
The new label features more prominent fuel cost information, a user-friendly graphic
for comparing the fuel economy of different vehicles, clearer text, and a Web site
address for more information. Since the new label design will be required on vehicles
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manufactured on September 1, 2007, or later, manufacturers will be phasing in the new
design during the 2008 model year. For model years 2008 and 2009, the label will also
state that estimates reflect new EPA test methods beginning with 2008 models. More
information on the revised window sticker is available on EPA's Web site at:
www.epa.aov/fueleconomv/label.htm
No Impact on CAFE
EPA's rule has no impact on the CAFE program, which is administered by DOT's
National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). CAFE is the required
average fuel economy for a vehicle manufacturer's entire fleet of passenger cars and
light trucks manufactured for sale in the United States for each model year. There are
separate regulations concerning the test methods and procedures to determine the fuel
economy values under the CAFE program. For more information on CAFE, please visit
NHTSA'sWebsiteat:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.aov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.dOb5a45b55bfbe582
f57529cdba046aO/
For More Information
You can access documents on this rulemaking on EPA's Office of Transportation and Air
Quality Web site at:
www.epa.gov/fueleconomv/regulations.htm
For further information, please contact the Assessment and Standards Division at:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
2000Traverwood Drive
Ann Arbor, Ml 48105
Voicemail: (734) 214-4636
E-mail: asdinfo@epa.aov
EPA Issues New Test Methods for Fuel
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