EPA Weighs Changes to MPG Mandates After Recent Assessment
EPA Weighs Changes to MPG Mandates After Recent Assessment
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its 2018 assessment of vehicle manufacturer fuel economy performance. In recent years, sales figures show the tendency to purchase heavier, more powerful vehicle models, yet, consumers are seeing improvements to fuel economy.
Despite the purchasing trend for larger vehicles, the report shows a 23% drop in carbon emissions since 2004. Secondly, the EPA says consumers have seen a 29% increase in miles per gallon (MPG) which improves vehicle fuel economy. Most of the improvements from manufacturers contributing to these statistics have come about in the last 5 years.
Vehicle technology is the largest contributor to performance improvements. The new “start-stop” system helps reduce idle time. Hybrid technology uses energy from braking to provide additional power to the vehicle cutting down on battery drain.
The top-performing fuel economy average is held by Honda (29.4MPG) while Fiat-Chrysler America trails the pack with an average MPG of 21.2.
Source: epa.gov