For those of you who do not know about the CAFE standards, the federal government sets an average fuel efficiency rate that must be met by the entire fleet of vehicles manufactured by a car maker.
Now we are hearing that many consumer groups are saying that the average fuel economy standards should be set at 45 mpg by 2020. What you just heard was a collective shout of “What?!” coming from the offices of the major auto makers worldwide.
Many in the auto industry complain that the rate is too high. However, they have been complaining about the standard since the day it was first introduced. The point is, the manufacturers have been able to make the standards.
Do they have a point? Is this too much to ask for? Well, it is true that many cars on today’s market have a 40 mpg rating or better. Moreover, we are getting more hybrids that are reaching similar figures. And let’s not forget about the electric car. The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf are supposed to be in dealer showrooms next year.
So, can the automakers achieve a standard of 40 mpg by 2020? That’s 10 years from now. The world should have a plethora of electric and hybrid vehicles scurrying around the city roads and highways. Can they make the standard? In the words of Sarah Palin, You betcha!
Another issue for some consumer advocate groups is the agency that is setting the fuel efficiency standards. Currently, the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration partner to come up with the standards. However, one consumer advocating group, the Consumer Federation, wants only the EPA to have the authority. The Consumer Federation claims that the NHTSA has been “influenced” by car companies in previous years.
Well, at this point EPA and NHTSA have not set standards for 2020. And no one is sure if 45 mpg will be the figure. And, so far, no one else but the consumer groups are complaining about EPA and NHTSA sharing in setting the standards.
Be prepared to see consumer groups promote these two issues, especially after the 2016 CAFE standards are finalized.
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