Fuel Efficiency
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The 50-49 vote rescinds stricter standards for emissions from heavy-duty trucks—although a veto could revive their implementation.
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Study: EV policy around gasoline superusers could help the most
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.
Stephen Edelstein -
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 -
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.
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Vehicle fuel economy gains faltered in 2021: Blame the SUV, again
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.
Stephen Edelstein -
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 -
The automakers face off versus a coalition of 17 state governments opposing a significant portion of the auto industry and rallying for greater emissions
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Could studying gasoline "superusers" be a catalyst for EV policy? At least one state thinks so
One in 10 U.S. drivers burn 32% of gasoline used in U.S. light-duty vehicles, and these users burn more gasoline than the bottom 60% of drivers combined.
Stephen Edelstein -
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid rated at up to 43 mpg, priced at $28,545
The Sportage Hybrid has recently been rated at up to 43 mpg—beating the most efficient versions of all its hybrid rivals without a charge port.
Bengt Halvorson -
Poorly timed traffic lights add to greenhouse gas emissions: Here's an estimate of how much
Well-timed signals can have a significant impact on emissions—equivalent to the CO2 absorbed by a forest 3.3 times the size of Atlanta, according to Inrix.
Stephen Edelstein -
Steeper fleet fuel economy standards finalized, will bring more hybrids and EVs sooner
The mpg standards are a step steeper than an original proposal. Arriving at an effective 49 mpg, they boost fleet efficiency by 8% to 10% annually for model years 2023-2026.
Bengt Halvorson -
Automakers back EPA rules, amid opposition from 16 states and ethanol interests
Texas and 15 other states, along with ethanol groups, have challenged the EPA's emissions rules under the Biden administration
Stephen Edelstein -
It's been a long time coming. Enforcement had been delayed after automaker lobbying, triggering a lawsuit from California.
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Gas prices spur demand for high-mpg vehicles, amid short supplies
Gas prices are fueling a run on high-mpg models, and to some degree on EVs—and it's exaggerating the supply issues already present this year.
Stephen Edelstein -
Ethanol producers, states join opposition to stricter Biden emissions and mpg standards
Producers argue that the new rules exceed the EPA's authority because they effectively force automakers to produce electric cars
Stephen Edelstein -
Do tighter federal heavy-duty truck emissions standards look beyond internal combustion?
Environmental groups claim the EPA's proposed standards should do more to encourage deployment of electric trucks.
Stephen Edelstein -
The 50-mpg club: 8 affordable cars making the best of high gas prices
Here are the widely available cars only fueled by gasoline that achieve 50 mpg combined or more based on EPA ratings. They all start under $30,000.
Bengt Halvorson -
California no longer shuns GM, as automaker complies with its emissions rules
It stopped buying state vehicles from GM in 2019, when the automaker sided with the Trump administration in a challenge to the state's right to set its own emissions rules.
Stephen Edelstein