A Step in the Right Direction

From the AP:

Consumers may be in for a different kind of sticker shock starting with 2008 model cars, trucks and SUVs.

Fuel economy ratings on the stickers of new models would drop an average of 10 percent to 20 percent in city driving for most 2008 models, and 5 percent to 15 percent in highway driving, under testing changes the Environmental Protection Agency proposed Tuesday.

EPA's new fuel economy estimates will include vehicle-specific data from tests designed to more accurately reflect high speed driving, rapid acceleration, use of air conditioning and cold temperatures, the agency said.

Congress ordered the changes in its energy bill last year, responding to consumer complaints that the fuel economy they get is often less than advertised. It is the first time EPA has revised its fuel economy ratings in 20 years.

And from last week's NYTimes, some details on the testing:

Under its new program, the E.P.A. plans to take into account factors used by the agency in measuring vehicle emissions. They include how a car performs in high-speed driving, defined as 80 miles an hour or more; aggressive driving, in which a vehicle accelerates more than 3.3 miles per second; while air-conditioning is in use; and during cold temperatures. All these factors can affect a vehicle's fuel economy.

The new calculations could mean that a vehicle has a lower - or higher - fuel economy rating in the 2007 model year than it does in the 2008 model year.