EPA Unveils Next Generation of Fuel Economy Labels

(PHILADELPHIA – June 1, 2011) New fuel economy labels unveiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today at the Mid-Atlantic AAA Office  in Wilmington, Del. will provide shoppers of model year 2013 cars and trucks with comprehensive fuel efficiency information.

 

“The new labels will help consumers be smart buyers who know which cars will save them money and leave the smallest footprint on the environment,” said EPA mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. Garvin was joined by Delaware’s Environmental Secretary Collin O’Mara, and representatives of the Clean Air Council and Mid-Atlantic AAA.

 

The new window stickers will have information about a vehicle’s estimated fuel costs, savings, and impact on the environment.  

Although automakers may voluntarily adopt the new labels for model year 2012 vehicles, all model year 2013 passenger cars and trucks will feature the improved fuel economy labels.  The requirement applies to all conventional gasoline-powered and “next generation” cars, such as plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

 

For the first time, fuel economy labels will compare energy use and cost between new-technology cars that use electricity and conventional cars that are gasoline-powered, including estimates on how much consumers will save or spend on fuel over the next five years.    

The labels will also contain easy-to-read ratings of how a model compares to all other models for smog emissions and emissions of pollution that contribute to climate change.  For electric-powered cars, the labels will indicate how much electricity it takes to drive 100 miles, as well as information on the driving range and recharging time frame.  

  

Also new, a QR code will be on the label to allow smartphone users to scan the label and get even more information with model comparison and vehicle specific energy use.  The smartphone application will allow consumers to calculate specific information tailored to their own driving distances and behaviors to get more precise estimates of their own expected fuel costs and savings.

 

Consumers can get more information on the new label at: http://fueleconomy.gov/label