Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

New fuel economy labels proposed by EPA and DOT

According to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation are charged with designing new fuel economy labels for vehicle stickers that appear in the window of new vehicles at the dealership. Today the two agencies have put forth a pair of design proposals and are asking the public to comment on which they like better and why.

Both labels have been designed to better incorporate new vehicle types that aren't represented well by the current labels, including mainly electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In addition to information already provided (fuel economy and estimated annual fuel cost), the new labels would also add such things as indicators for carbon dioxide and other smog-promoting emissions, fuel cost savings compared to an average gasoline-powered vehicle of the same model year and even a QR code that allows smartphones to collect the data.

In order to accommodate the growing crop of EVs and plug-in hybrids, the new proposed labels would also translate the energy usage of such vehicles into a miles per gallon equivalent, or MPGe. In the case of the first label design (the tall, thin one), a letter grade would also be featured prominently that corresponds to a vehicle's overall environmental performance.

You can check out both designs in the gallery below, or head over to epa.gov/fueleconomy and tell these agencies what you think directly. Either way, a new label's on its way, so speak now or forever hold your tongue.

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/epa-d...abels/#3310906

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/30/n...y-epa-and-dot/

GS69

W.H. Ditches Letter Grades for Fuel Economy

The Obama administration is nixing a plan to give automobiles letter grades based on their fuel efficiency after the proposal came under attack from the auto industry, sources familiar with the agency’s decision told POLITICO.

EPA and the Transportation Department are expected to unveil their new design for fuel economy stickers next week, and it won’t involve assigning prominent letter grades “A” through “D” — 1 option the administration was considering, the sources said.

Last August, the agencies proposed 2 alternative designs for window stickers aimed at helping consumers compare vehicles’ fuel economy. In addition to the letter grade, the administration proposed an alternative label without grades that includes prominent estimates of miles per gallon and annual fuel costs. (The alternative designs are available here.)

The auto industry blasted the letter grade proposal, and Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers CEO Dave McCurdy told several news outlets in response to the proposal, “The proposed letter grade falls short because it is imbued with schoolyard memories of passing and failing.”

Wade Newton, a spokesman for the auto group, said Friday that while he hasn’t yet seen the final rule, “We’d welcome a decision to go with the more traditional mpg labels that consumers are already familiar with.”

“The addition of a large, brightly colored letter grade may confuse the public about what is being graded, and it risks alienating the consumer who has a valid need for a vehicle that does not achieve an ‘A’ for GHG emissions,” he added.

Environmental groups are dismayed that the administration has apparently opted against the letter grades, arguing that those stickers made it easier for consumers to pick the greener option.

“The Obama administration caved to auto industry pressure and pulled the plug on a key consumer education proposal intended to help us determine which cars are cleanest,” said Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign.

Becker said he’s hopes the administration’s decision isn’t a signal of what’s to come on several major EPA-DOT rules, including efficiency standards for light-duty vehicles and heavy trucks.

Roland Hwang, transportation director for the Natural Resources Defense Council’s energy program, said the administration’s alternative label will still mark an improvement.

“It's important the administration get a revised, clearer label out sooner rather than later, even if not perfect,” he said.

“With $4 a gallon here to stay for a while, consumers need all the help they can get to find the most fuel-efficient car that meets their needs.”

An EPA spokesman declined to comment, and DOT did not respond to a request for comment.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Official: EPA, DOT unveil updated window stickers

Updated United States fuel economy labeling, unveiled on Wednesday, includes additional information on plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, and highlights other advanced technologies aimed at reducing gasoline consumption and tailpipe emissions.

The redesigned window stickers, required on all 2013 models, enables consumers to quickly compare fuel savings for different types of vehicles, whether they rely on gasoline or some type of alternative fuel. For example, the labels display estimates of how much fuel or electricity would be required to drive 100 miles and how much time is needed to charge a plug-in vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf.

Lisa Jackson, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), says the reason for the redesigned labels is to give consumers, "the best possible information about which cars on the lot offer the greatest fuel economy and the best environmental performance." The EPA developed the updated labels with assistance from the Department of Transportation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=DMtdlZFucp4

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/e...ckers-w-video/

LexFather

Really "you save gas"? What is the avg vehicle?

I8ABMR

I think the new window stickers are great and filled with the kind of real world info that buyers want to know

LeX2K

I would assume all vehicles in the database, with the average calculated, right?