EPA Debuts New Fuel Economy Labels
The EPA has revealed all-new fuel-economy labels designed to help car and truck buyers determine new vehicle efficiency and operating costs in a world of burgeoning propulsion choices.
The redesigned labels are expected to provide the public with information on fuel economy, energy use, fuel costs and pollution. They are roughly split into three design groups to help buyers compare energy use and cost between conventional fossil-fuel-powered and new-technology vehicles that use electricity and clean fuels. The three groups are:
- Conventional internal-combustion fuels: gasoline, diesel and E85 ethanol, where fuel economy is displayed in miles per gallon (mpg)
- Advanced technology vehicles: compressed natural gas, electricity or hydrogen, where fuel economy is displayed in miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe)
- Plug-in hybrids: vehicles that straddle both of the previous areas will display both MPGe and mpg ratings
Major design elements of each label include:
- Estimates on how much consumers will save or spend on fuel over the next five years compared to the average new vehicle.
- Easy-to-read ratings of how a model compares to all others for smog emissions and emissions of pollution that contribute to climate change.
- An estimate of how much fuel or electricity it takes to drive 100 miles.
- Information on the driving range and charging time of an electric vehicle.
- A QR code that will allow smartphone users to access online information about how various models compare on fuel economy and other environmental and energy factors. This tool also will allow consumers to enter information about their typical commutes and driving behavior in order to get a more precise estimate of fuel costs and savings.
Automakers may voluntarily adopt new fuel-economy labels for 2012-model-year vehicles. Starting with 2013 model year, the labels will be required.
Diesel vehicle
E85 ethanol label that compares E85 driving range to using gasoline
Compressed natural gas vehicle like the GMC Savana van with fuel economy displayed in MPGe
Parallel (blended) plug-in hybrid vehicle like the Toyota Prius Plug-in or PHEV Ram 1500
Series (range-extending) plug-in hybrid like the Chevrolet Volt
Full electric vehicle like the Nissan Leaf
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle like the Honda FCX Clarity
Comments
Do you have one for a less efficient vehicle? Would be interesting to see how much more im going to be spending when buying a truck.
@LS1POWERED: No, sorry. These are the examples the EPA provided.
Very interesting. I guess these labels would not apply to the raptor, currently rated at 11/14MPG. Neither the gasoline vehicles nor the flexible-fuel vehicles seem to have a lower range below 14 MPG.
This is a great improvement. It will point out the facts and highlight the actual $ difference. Too many people think a 5MPG boost is the same from 10 going to 15MPG, compared to 15 going to 20MPG. That same %PG jump saves about double from 10-15 compared to what the 15-20 saves. When you get up to 30-35 it drops to minimal savings Good stuff.
Are these labels going on HD pickups? Or are they still exempt?
@Tony: Not just yet, but soon: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/10/new-fuel-economy-standards-for-heavy-duty-trucks-will-raise-efficiency-and-prices.html
These labels look like a step in the right direction.
The label says costs are based on 2.05/gallon or gallon equivalent.
How often will they update the labels to reflect current fuel costs?
It only says $2.05 for CNG.
They say $3.70 for gas and $3.90 for diesel.
@Tim and Ford850 - thanks. my bad. I need new glasses. LOL
As seen on Drudge.
Obama's Transportation Secretary rolls up in 12-mpg SUV to unveil new fuel economy stickers...
http://jalopnik.com/5805503/us-transportation-secretary-rolls-up-in-suv-to-unveil-new-fuel-economy-stickers
Classic do as I say, not as I do.
@ Bob - hate to point out the obvious but.................... would that be a black Suburban with a 5.3????
Sheesh, not even a hybrid one at that.
Actual mpg of 12.
Thanks for being honest.
I can speak for everyone when I say we like the "New" Bob better than the "old" Bob.
Kinda like "old"GM and "New" GM.
6.0
A lot of useful information on these new labels. Very helpful.
Look like the ener guides in your fridge. Mot very original
Hopefully this change adds some visibility to HD pickup MPGs. Today, HD pickup fuel economy is a pig and a poke.
Unfortunately, these changes look great for cars but doe little to address fuel economy when pickup/suvs are under load as they were intended. Consumers will only see idealized (BS) MPG #'s that turn to vapor when engines are used as designed and that's a blatant shortcoming.
They should be able to propose an acceptable standard so consumers can compare MPG #'s for:
1) 90% pickup payload
2) 80% max tow capacity for the vehicle's class (HD, LD, etc), assumes a typical sized trailer (frontal air drag, etc) for the vehicle's class.
haha, anyone check out the thread on Bob's link??? And people think we get out of hand on this site, lets all pat ourselves on the back for being so civil to one another!
LSIPOWERED: I was able to find what you and others are looking for when buying a truck.
http://www.insideline.com/car-pictures/ns_525117.html
You don't save, but spend more than $14,400 over the next five years.
@ed edson - that htread was hillarious. I wonder what they consider as out of line or bashing??
I think it is a step in the right direction. Just need to get it on the heavy duty pickups and lets cut that guessing out.
The comments to this entry are closed.