Government unveils new fuel efficiency labels
Are you in the market for a new car, but aren't sure whether you should opt for a hybrid, plug-in vehicle or just a regular internal combustion engine vehicle?
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency unveiled new fuel-efficiency stickers today that will provide details about a cars estimated annual fuel costs and information on the amount of greenhouse gas a vehicle emits -- to make your decision a little easier.
The stickers, which were originally supposed to also have a letter grade system ranking cars on a scale from A through D based on their fuel economy and environmental impact, will be placed on all cars - traditional or plug-in - from model year 2013.
“Our new fuel economy and environmental labels are a win for automobile consumers and for the nation’s energy independence,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, in a statement. “These labels will provide consumers with up front information about a vehicle’s fuel costs and savings so that they can make informed decisions when purchasing a new car.”
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson added:
The EPA and DOT are creating a new generation of fuel economy labels to meet the needs of a new generation of innovative cars. Today’s car buyers want the best possible information about which cars on the lot offer the greatest fuel economy and the best environmental performance. The new labels provide comprehensive information to American car buyers, helping them make a choice that will save money at the gas pump and prevent pollution in the air we breathe.
The labels will provide consumers information on:
- Comparative energy use and cost between plug-in cars and conventional gasoline-powered cars
- Estimated fuel costs savings and emissions information.
- Charge-times and range for electric vehicles.
- Smog emissions and emissions of pollution that contribute to climate change.
- A QR Code will allow smartphone users to access online information about how various models and compare their fuel economy and other environmental impacts.
This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com