MPG Decrease with 2008 EPA Testing - February 27th, 2007
Kiplinger is reporting that new car buyers will notice a sharp decrease in estimated fuel efficiency beginning with 2008 model cars.
Existing EPA-regulated tests are done in controlled circumstances that represent what many refer to as “driving like Grandma,” - cars are on treadmills which provide a constant speed; they are tested with windows rolled up, air conditioners turned off, and the climate neither too hot nor too cold. In addition, current testing doesn’t allow for stop-and-go traffic or fast starts.
All of that will change with 2008-model cars. After pressure from environmental groups like the Bluewater Network, and consumers who noticed that they were often averaging far fewer miles per gallon than the estimates on the window stickers and car advertisements, the testing practices are changing. Now, things like aggressive acceleration, higher driving speeds, and different traffic conditions will be factored into the overall results.
What does this mean? Well it should reflect more accurate MPG averages, but consumers - and especially those people who own or are considering hybrid vehicles - should be prepared for lower numbers on next year’s window stickers. Hybrid EPA numbers are estimated to drop by 20% (highway) to 30% (city), while conventional cars will see an 8-12% decrease in estimated fuel efficiency.
Car manufacturers are generally in favor of the change - they get tired of customer griping - but do worry about advertising issues. Again as reported by Kiplinger, Moe Durand of Mitsubishi says they’ll be advertising new-style MPG along-side the old-style numbers, at least at first, and window stickers will probably be re-designed across the board.
One thing that will not change? Your mileage may vary.
Posted on February 27th, 2007 by QueenMab
Filed under: news |
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