EPA, DOT Unveil the Next Generation of Fuel Economy Labels
New information
underscores increased efficiency, fuel savings achieved under the
Obama Administration’s historic national car
rule.
WASHINGTON – The U.S.
Department of Transportation and the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency today are unveiling new fuel economy labels that will help
consumers take advantage of the increased efficiency standards
achieved under the Obama Administration that will save families
money at the pump starting this year. The new labels, which are the
most dramatic overhaul to fuel economy labels since the program
began more than 30 years ago, will provide more comprehensive fuel
efficiency information, including estimated annual fuel costs,
savings, as well as information on each vehicle’s
environmental impact. The new labels underscore the benefits of the
historic, bipartisan passenger car and truck fuel economy rule
adopted under this administration by the EPA and DOT in 2010.
These improvements will give
consumers better, more complete information to consider when
purchasing new vehicles that are covered by the increased fuel
economy standards. Starting with model year 2013, the improved fuel
economy labels will be required to be affixed to all new passenger
cars and trucks – both conventional gasoline powered and
“next generation” cars, such as plug-in hybrids and
electric vehicles.
Upon taking office, President Obama directed DOT and EPA to prioritize the development of new fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions standards, resulting in the historic standards that will be represented by these new labels. This is the latest step in EPA’s and DOT’s joint efforts to improve the fuel economy and environmental performance of vehicles and to provide consumers with useful information to inform their purchasing decisions.
The 2010 fuel economy rule, developed with input from major automakers, environmental groups, and the states, will dramatically increase the energy efficiency of cars and trucks built in model years 2012 through 2016, saving 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the life of the program and the average consumer $3,000 in fuel costs.
In July, the Administration plans to finalize the first-ever national fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards for commercial trucks, vans and buses built in 2014 to 2018. These standards are expected to save hundreds of millions of barrels of oil over the life of the vehicles covered and promote the development and deployment of alternative fuels, including natural gas. The Administration is also developing the next generation of joint fuel economy/greenhouse gas emission standards for model year 2017-2025 passenger vehicles and expects to announce the proposal in September 2011.
The new labels announced today will help consumers take advantage of the new, more energy efficient fleet, allowing them to save money at the pump. Consumers will see the new labels in showrooms early next year, when 2013 models begin arriving. Automakers may also voluntarily adopt the new labels earlier for model year 2012 vehicles.
“President Obama's
work to shape a Clean Cars program is fostering a marketplace of
cutting-edge American vehicles that are more fuel efficient than
ever before. The EPA and DOT are creating a new generation of fuel
economy labels to meet the needs of a new generation of innovative
cars,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.
“Today’s car buyers want the best possible information
about which cars on the lot offer the greatest fuel economy and the
best environmental performance. The new labels provide
comprehensive information to American car buyers, helping them make
a choice that will save money at the gas pump and prevent pollution
in the air we breathe.”
“Our new fuel economy
and environmental labels are a win for automobile consumers and for
the nation’s energy independence,” said U.S.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “These labels will
provide consumers with up front information about a vehicle’s
fuel costs and savings so that they can make informed decisions
when purchasing a new car.”
The new labels will for the
first time provide:
· Useful 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.
Consumers can get more information on the new label at: http://fueleconomy.gov/label
More information on the new label can be found at http://www.epa.gov/carlabel and https://www.nhtsa.gov/laws-regulations/corporate-average-fuel-economy