Fuel Efficiency
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The Biden administration may "slow the pace at which auto manufacturers would need to comply" with tighter emissions rules.
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EPA: Hybrids and EVs helped offset more polluting trucks and SUVs
Americans' continued shift toward larger vehicles and trucks boosted the average CO2 emissions per vehicle from 2017 to 2022, but rising sales of hybrids and EVs helped offset it.
Stephen Edelstein -
House votes to block emissions rules with misconception of EV mandate
The Republican-controlled House appears to believe these targets constitute an EV mandate—even though the EPA's proposal clearly lays it out as the opposite.
Stephen Edelstein -
Stellantis fights California emissions rules, cites "competitive disadvantages"
The parent of Dodge, Jeep, and other brands claims the California Air Resources Board (CARB) "improperly adopted" a 2019 deal negotiated between the regulator and four automakers.
Stephen Edelstein -
Do engine block heaters boost mpg, reduce cold-weather emissions?
Despite plenty of claims otherwise, a group of Finish researchers found that block heaters didn't cut fuel consumption or emissions significantly in light-duty gas or diesel models.
Stephen Edelstein -
Report: Automakers see efficiency rules costing billions in fines
Legacy automakers may end up paying "alarming" penalties for not meeting proposed federal fleet fuel economy standards, a lobbyist report claims.
Stephen Edelstein -
EVs reduce global warming emissions, but that and the phasing-out of fossil fuels may be far less important to Republicans than Democrats.
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Toyota Land Cruiser returns as hybrid-only SUV with lower price
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser has been redesigned with a turbocharged hybrid powertrain, a smaller footprint, and a base price in the $50,000 range.
Stephen Edelstein -
NHTSA aims for 43.5 mpg across new vehicles by 2032
A 2% annual improvement in fuel efficiency is in the cards for passenger cars, and a 4% yearly improvement for light trucks.
Stephen Edelstein -
Google Maps' eco-friendly routing: Like taking 250,000 cars off the road?
Maps' efficiency-focused routing has prevented 1.2 million metric tons of estimated carbon emissions, Google claims in its latest environmental report.
Stephen Edelstein -
Report: GM and Stellantis paid record fuel economy fines
GM chose to pay the fines for fuel-economy shortfalls and bank its credits, while Stellantis reportedly says it's doing better now.
Stephen Edelstein -
Senate blocks Biden clean-truck rules, without Feinstein vote
The 50-49 vote rescinds stricter standards for emissions from heavy-duty trucks—although a veto could revive their implementation.
Stephen Edelstein -
So-called "gasoline-burdened families" are paying a huge portion of their income toward gas vehicles and could greatly benefit from a switch to EVs.
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EPA tailpipe emissions rules for 2027-2032: EVs not mandated
EVs aren't mandated by the set of rules proposed by the EPA Wednesday, but they will almost certainly offer the easiest path to compliance under extremely strict new requirements.
Stephen Edelstein -
California may mandate replacement-tire efficiency standards
The California Energy Commission (CEC) wants replacement tires to be as efficient as original tires.
Stephen Edelstein -
Automakers back California in challenge of auto-emissions clout
In an unusual instance of industry speaking up for stronger regulations, a handful of automakers are testifying with California.
Stephen Edelstein -
Goodyear shows fuel-saving tire with 90% sustainable materials
The demonstration tire shows Goodyear has the capability to make a tire with 90% sustainable content, even as it aims to launch a production tire with 70% sustainable content this year.
Stephen Edelstein -
New EPA truck emission rules still fall short of California regs
The EPA has enacted standards taking effect for the 2027 model year, applying to heavy-duty trucks, buses, and vans. But in some respects they're weaker than what California has drafted.
Stephen Edelstein -
Real-world fuel economy of light-duty vehicles sold in the U.S. remained flat for the 2021 model year, at 25.4 mpg, according to the report, and the shift to SUVs plus relaxed Trump-era fleet rules may be to blame for this.
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IEA: Global demand for fossil fuels will peak this decade
Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the resulting economic uncertainties have accelerated the timeline—leading to more spending on renewables, cleaner EVs, and a "historic turning point," the authority anticipates.
Stephen Edelstein -
Not all California clean cars states agree with 2035 gas-vehicle ban
While New York, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts and others have signed on, Minnesota is a maybe and Virginia's governor is reportedly calling the policy "ludicrous."
Stephen Edelstein -
EPA cracks down on companies selling aftermarket diesel "defeat devices," with fines in the millions
The EPA recently announced the levying of millions of dollars in fines against companies for selling equipment designed to circumvent pollution controls, illegal under the Clean Air Act.
Stephen Edelstein -
Toyota stops fighting California, recognizes state's vehicle emissions authority
California sets more aggressive emissions standards and electric vehicle targets, and it's joined in doing so by a growing group of states.
Stephen Edelstein -
Ford, BMW, VW, Honda, Volvo back California emissions authority in legal challenge
The automakers face off versus a coalition of 17 state governments opposing a significant portion of the auto industry and rallying for greater emissions
Stephen Edelstein