Call it the new sticker shock.
After 20-plus years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently revised its fuel economy estimates to reflect today's faster and more congested roads. This means MPG (miles per gallon) estimates for many vehicles, particularly hybrids, will drop by as much as 30 percent.
Many of us have become tech-savvy, gadget-obsessed trend hunters. We look forward to buying new laptops, wireless devices and cell phones every few years
Model 2008 vehicles are the first to be tested under the new standards. So if you're looking at both 2007 and 2008 model-year cars, keep in mind that their fuel economy ratings can't be directly compared. The city mileage for a 2008 model will be about 12 percent lower than a 2007, while the highway mileage will be approximately 8 percent lower.
Why the change?
Developed in the 1970s and revised just once in 1984, the EPA estimates for city and highway driving have been criticized as overly optimistic. For example, estimates were based on speeds capped at 55 mph, the national speed limit at the time. Now, testing will be done up to 80 mph.
The EPA will also now consider factors like aggressive acceleration, air conditioning use, and extreme temperature conditions.
Sticker gets a new look
MPG information will continue to be displayed on the window sticker of new vehicles, but the look has been updated, with the estimated annual fuel cost more prominently displayed.
The EPA will also now consider factors like aggressive acceleration, air conditioning use, and extreme temperature conditions.
How are fuel costs determined?
In estimating annual fuel costs, the EPA factors in annual mileage (an average of 15,000 miles per year), average gas prices ($2.80 per gallon), and the vehicle's combined fuel economy (a city/highway split of 55/45 percent).
If a premium grade gasoline is recommended or required by the manufacturer, the fuel cost will be calculated accordingly.
New category for minivans and SUVs
Previously, vehicles over 8,500 pounds were exempted from fuel economy testing and labeling requirements. However, with the new EPA standards, SUVs and vans between 8,500 and 10,000 pounds will have mileage estimates in a newly defined class: medium-duty vehicles. Included in this category are the popular Ford Expedition EL and the Chevrolet Suburban.
To help ease the transition, the EPA won't require manufacturers to post fuel economy labels on these vehicles until the 2011 models are released.
So if you plan on going car shopping soon, remember, fuel estimates have changed for 2008 models to reflect today's more hectic driving situations. And though an estimate is just an estimate, hopefully these new standards are more in tune with your road reality!