EPA Revises Fuel Economy Testing
More in the news today about fuel economy, so I thought we’d post again on the topic. This blurb comes courtesy of Relevant intern Cassie Serianni:
As a result of last year’s energy bill, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been required to change their methods of testing and rating the fuel economy of cars. The 2008 car models will mark a new era of more accurate mile per gallon estimates.
The current fuel efficiency testing uses indoor tests that simulate mild outdoor driving conditions and maximum highway speeds of 60 mph. Currently, the tests do not take into account high speed driving, stop-and-go traffic, the effects of starting cars in cold temperatures, or the running of amenities such as air conditioning, power windows, power seats, and DVD players. The EPA’s new plan will take into consideration these other driving variables.
The new proposed changes in the EPA’s testing system will be the first alterations to the system in 20 years. It has been speculated by the EPA that the fuel economy estimates of many car models will decrease 15 to 20 percent of the current in town and city driving estimates.