EPA Gives Up on 54.5-MPG CAFE Standard
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has abandoned the 54.5-mpg CAFE Standard.
Although automakers have the tools to meet the 54.5-mpg corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) Standard originally set for the 2025 model year, the increase in SUV and crossover sales points to the industry failing to meet that figure. In a statement released by the government agencies, they acknowledged that automakers are “adopting fuel economy technologies at unprecedented rates” and that they will be able to meet standards with improvements in standard gasoline engines, and won’t need to rely heavily on sales of hybrids or electric cars.
Despite all that, the government has abandoned the 54.5-mpg goal now that lower gas prices have increased demand for SUVs, crossovers and light trucks. And since the fleet averages are sales-weighted, the advances in fuel economy technology aren’t properly reflected.
SEE ALSO: Feds to Double Fines for Missing MPG Targets
Senior administration officials said that the 54.5-mpg goal was never a mandate, but more of an estimate on where the industry could be by the 2025 model year. The estimate was based on the assumption that 67 percent of vehicles on the market would be cars and 33 percent would be SUVs, crossovers, pickups or light trucks. The government now estimates that the overall fleet average fuel economy by 2025 will be around 50 to 52.6 mpg.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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They didn't abandon anything. Folks should read the report. The sales mix of vehicles will bring the average down but none of the guidelines have changed.
Sure, cause we'll never hit 54.5 when we're all driving Hellcats.