Fuel Economy

Empty Carpool Lane

2016: Year of the Sports Utility Vehicle

Last year set two notable vehicle records. First, the most cars ever sold, at 17.54 million. Second, light trucks accounted for almost 61 percent of all sales. Sales of more fuel efficient car fell, though electric vehicle sales increased.

January 10, 2017 - The Drive

Rental Cars

Editorial: A Compelling Case for a Carbon Tax

With record amounts of gasoline burned by America's passenger vehicle fleet which is increasing composed of light trucks rather than cars, and with Americans driving record distances, The Washington Post argues it's time for a carbon tax.

September 13, 2016 - The Washington Post - Editorial

Double Trucks

New Rules to Make Heavy Trucks Cleaner and More Fuel Efficient

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation jointly issued final standards on Aug. 16 to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy for heavy duty trucks which currently average about six miles per gallon.

August 20, 2016 - New York Times

Gas Pump

EPA Report: Auto Manufacturers Will Meet 2025 Fuel Economy Standards

A new EPA report indicates that auto manufacturers will meet fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards relying largely on gasoline powered vehicles. Or will they? While likely to fall short of 54.5 mpg, they will come close enough.

July 25, 2016 - U.S. D.O.T. Press Release

Cheap Gas Defeats Fuel Efficiency Goals

The effect of low gas prices on motor vehicle selection by consumers could set back President Barack Obama's climate legacy, which includes obtaining fuel economy standards of 54.5 mpg by 2025.

December 31, 2014 - The Wall Street Journal

Like the Old Days: Average Fuel Economy Declines in the United States

A recent study at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute showed that September saw the largest decline in average fuel economy, from 25.8 mpg to 25.3 mpg, since December 2011.

October 9, 2014 - 24/7 Wall Street

Exxon Predicts Energy Future For World At 2040

By 2040, half of all cars will be hybrids or running on alternative fuels; energy demand will be flat for the developed world but will increase 60% for developing nations, and non-conventional oil sources will handily meet the demand of 110m barrels.

December 13, 2011 - AP via Bloomberg Business Week

EPA, DOT Release New Fuel Economy Stickers for New Cars

The new stickers offer significantly more useful information for comparing a new vehicle's gas mileage to other cars, including how much a year's worth of gas will cost you and the impact of that car on the environment.

May 30, 2011 - Fast Company

Enumerating the Effects of Eco-Driving

Three California schools are seeking to quantify the effects of efficiency-conscious driving in a study to establish a baseline for drivers' behavior.

January 19, 2011 - TheCityFix

Combined NHTSA & EPA Standards for New Cars Issued

Normally fuel economy standards are set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Due to the 2007 Supreme Court ruling on the Clean Air Act, the new rules are jointly issued by the EPA to regulate tailpipe emissions as well as CAFE.

April 5, 2010 - Union Of Concerned Scientists

$3.50 Gasoline Is Changing The Nation's Vehicle Fleet

Small car sales, especially hybrids and subcompacts, are jumping while pickups and SUV sales plummet, contributing to a reduction in gas consumption. The $3.50 gallon mark may have been key to influencing vehicle selection as well as driver behavior.

May 5, 2008 - The New York Times

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