fuel efficiency

Gas prices have hit a record high, not adjusted for inflation, which has sparked increased demand for electric cars, hybrids and smaller gasoline-powered vehicles. But shoppers may not find much to choose from.

Economy

Gas prices got you wanting an electric or hybrid car? Well, good luck finding one

5:19am March 25, 2022

by Scott Horsley

Soaring gasoline prices have fueled increased demand for electric cars, hybrids and smaller gasoline-powered vehicles. But shoppers may not find much to choose from.

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Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan is reflected in an electronic vehicle as it charges as he speaks during an event to announce a final rule for federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks on Monday.

EPA announces tighter fuel economy standards for cars and trucks

4:48pm December 20, 2021

by Alana Wise

The EPA announced on Monday a plan that it says will yield $190 billion in net benefits by 2050.

Vehicles pass during the afternoon commute on Highway 101 in Los Angeles on April 2. California is suing the EPA over a plan to revise fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, weakening Obama-era limits on greenhouse gas emissions.

States Sue The EPA To Protect Obama-Era Fuel Efficiency Standards

10:42pm May 01, 2018

by Camila Domonoske

California is leading a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's plan to weaken car emissions standards. EPA chief Scott Pruitt says the rules, designed to fight climate change, are too strict.

Gas is pumped into vehicles at a BP gas station in Hoboken, N.J. in 2016.The Obama administration moved to nearly double fuel-economy standards by 2025, but the EPA now is moving to weaken them.

EPA Moves To Weaken Landmark Fuel Efficiency Rules

5:44pm April 02, 2018

by Nathan Rott

The EPA is rejecting landmark fuel efficiency rules for automobiles, a key part of President Obama's efforts to address climate change. The move could lead to another legal battle with California.

"We are moving forward with an open and robust review of emissions standards," Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt says.

Trump Administration Takes Key Step To Rolling Back Auto Fuel Standards

5:11pm August 14, 2017

by Sonari Glinton

The Trump administration has opened a 45-day comment period ahead of proposed changes to Obama-era EPA rules for greenhouse gas emissions for cars and light trucks.

The CAFE standards that set fuel efficiency marks for the auto industry will be reopened for review, the Trump administration says. Here, vehicles refuel at a roadside gas station in New Mexico.

EPA Reopens U.S. Rules Setting Vehicle Efficiency Standards For 2025

10:59am March 15, 2017

U.S. automakers may not have to reach fuel efficiency standards that were set during the Obama administration, which had set a target of 54.5 miles per gallon for the 2025 model year.

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Is Obama's Hope For Better Fuel Economy Sputtering Out?

1:24pm January 08, 2016

by Scott Horsley

For a while, the president's plan for increasing vehicles' fuel efficiency worked; he said it would save money and reduce carbon pollution. Then came cheap gas, and the improvements have stalled.

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The fleet of U.S. vehicles has kept its fuel efficiency at a record high, the EPA says. Here, an electric BMW i3 is seen in Miami.

Trucks Hit Record 20.4 MPG, EPA Says; Carmakers Are Ahead Of Emissions Standards

4:57pm December 16, 2015

by Bill Chappell

Fuel economy is at record highs and carmakers have surpassed strict greenhouse gas emissions standards for the third straight year, the Environmental Protection Agency says.

The new F-150's aluminum body cuts about 700 pounds off the truck's weight.

National

Ford's New Aluminum F-150, VW Golf Take Top Detroit Auto Show Honors

7:12pm January 12, 2015

by Jasmine Garsd

Also notable was the unveiling of General Motors' all-electric Chevrolet Bolt concept car, which seems a clear rival to the Tesla.

National

Low Gas Prices Give SUV Sales A Boost, But Automakers Take Long View

8:07am January 06, 2015

by Sonari Glinton

U.S. auto manufacturers have learned from the last crash and have become more nimble, an industry expert says — so when oil prices rise again, they quickly will return to building more hybrids.

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