How does EPA measure fuel economy?

Fuel economy is measured under controlled conditions in a laboratory using a series of tests specified by federal law. EPA reviews the results and confirms about 15%–20% of them through their own tests at the National Vehicles and Fuel Emissions Laboratory.

What do EPA tests measure?

In 1972, when regular gas was 35 cents a gallon, test cycles were invented by the newly created EPA to measure exhaust emissions. The first test cycle, which sought to mimic rush-hour traffic in downtown Los Angeles with an average speed of 21 mph, is called the FTP, or city cycle, and is still in use today.

What does the fuel economy measure?

Fuel efficiency measures the distance a motor vehicle can travel on a single gallon of gas. As a result, boosting the efficiency of these vehicles can help limit the impact on climate change. Fuel efficiency measures the distance a motor vehicle can travel on a single gallon of gas.

What is EPA fuel mileage?

A key element in assessing the EPA rating for a vehicle’s average fuel economy (EPA combined) is the split between highway and city driving. Almost all cars and trucks deliver better fuel economy while cruising at 55 mph on the open highway than they do while stopping and starting at low speed on city streets.

How EPA range is calculated?

A technician determines the vehicle’s energy consumption by dividing the kilowatt-hours of energy needed to replenish the battery by the number of miles driven. The latter is also used to determine an EV’s estimated operating range on a charge.

What is EPA fuel economy?

A key element in assessing the EPA rating for a vehicle’s average fuel economy (EPA combined) is the split between highway and city driving. The EPA rating for combined mpg presumes that we drive 55 percent of the time in the city and 45 percent of the time on the highway.

What is the difference between EPA and WLTP?

The NEDC and WLTP are both European standards, while the EPA test is for the U.S. Each has its own set of testing procedures, outlined in the sections that follow.

What is EPA range?

What is EPA estimated range? In short, this is the approximate number of miles that a vehicle can travel in combined city and highway driving (using a mix of 55% highway and 45% city driving) before needing to be recharged, according to the EPA’s testing methodology.

How does the EPA test for fuel economy?

EPA tests vehicles by running them through a series of driving routines, also called cycles or schedules, that specify vehicle speed for each point in time during the laboratory tests. For 2007 and earlier model year vehicles, only the city and highway schedules were used.

Where do they test your car for emissions?

Contact Us. EPA’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Certifying that vehicles and engines meet federal emissions and fuel economy standards. Testing engines for in-use compliance. Analyzing fuels, fuel additives, and exhaust compounds.

How is fuel economy measured in a car?

In fact, tested vehicles don’t reach the pavement at all. Rather, a car or truck’s fuel economy is measured under rigidly controlled circumstances in a laboratory using a standardized test that’s mandated by federal law.

Why is vehicle and fuel emissions testing important?

Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Testing. Since its founding, EPA has been at the forefront of developing clean automotive technology and designing programs to reduce and prevent air pollution. Vehicle, engine, and fuel testing is an important way for EPA to verify emission standards are met and ensure the benefits from our programs become a reality.

What cars have the best gas mileage?

1) 2019 Kia Forte. The lower trim levels of the new 2019 Kia Forte already get a solid 37mpg on the highway, but the LXS, S and EX versions take 2) 2019 Hyundai Elantra. The 2019 Elantra’s mileage numbers aren’t the only thing to catch your eye. 3) 2019 Audi A4. The 2019 Audi A4 is one of Audi’s most well-rounded cars. 4) 2019 Subaru Crosstrek.

What is the efficiency of gasoline?

The modern gasoline combustion engine operates at an average of roughly 20 to 30 percent engine efficiency. The remaining 70 to 80 percent of the gasoline’s heat energy is expelled from the engine as either exhaust heat, mechanical sound energy or friction loss.

What is EPA mpg?

MPGe is the abbreviation for “miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent .” It’s an energy efficiency metric that was introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2010 to compare the amount of energy consumed by alternative fuel vehicles to that of traditional gas-powered cars.