Hybrid Fuel-Efficiency Ratings: The Demand for New Regulations and Technology

October 8th, 2009 by Beth Graddon-Hodgson

Recently accusations came to light that Nissan and GM to inflate their MPG claims by combining gas and electric mileage so their green rating appeared higher, and in order to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency won’t follow in their alleged footsteps, The Society for Automotive Engineers and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are recommending two different rating systems for electric vehicles that plug-in and also run on gas.

The groups are suggesting that in addition to miles-per-gallon ratings which are typically applied to vehicles that run partially on gas, and partially on electricity, an electricity-per-mile rating also be applied. Both of these ratings should be present on fuel-economy stickers so the consumer can get a realistic grasp of the data. The process for calculating driving efficiency of these hybrid vehicles is more complex since the traditional calculations do not effectively reflect annual fuel costs, however, new methods are in the works which will calculate based dynamometers, instead of just gauging how long it takes until a tank runs empty when running vehicles on a machine.

The final proposal will be submitted by the Society for Automotive Engineers and NREL within the next 6 months so that the EPA can formally review rules and regulations for hybrid fuel-efficiency in the spirit of full-disclosure that will be beneficial to drivers looking into purchasing a vehicle that runs of gas and plug-in!

Via: CNET

Image Via: Flickr User NA.dir with a Creative Commons License

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Tags: alternative fuel, environmental standards, fuel efficiency, hybrid ratings, hybrid vehicles

About the Author

Beth Graddon-Hodgson

Lars

Back when gas prices went up so much, I did the math and couldn’t make it work out (economically). I decided to keep my 1998 F-150 and start bicycle commuting to work.

So far this year, I’ve logged around 1500 miles, saved at least $400 in gas money, cleaned the air, and lost a little weight. I figure I’ve done my part by keeping a vehicle out of the landfill and not *consuming* more by buying a new vehicle.

Lars
Lars

Back when gas prices went up so much, I did the math and couldn’t make it work out (economically). I decided to keep my 1998 F-150 and start bicycle commuting to work.

So far this year, I’ve logged around 1500 miles, saved at least $400 in gas money, cleaned the air, and lost a little weight. I figure I’ve done my part by keeping a vehicle out of the landfill and not *consuming* more by buying a new vehicle.

Lars