DOE Proposes Rules to Reduce Electric Vehicle Milage Ratings to Meet Fuel Economy Rules.
The U.S. Energy Department (DOE) has proposed new fuel economy rules that would lower the mileage ratings for electric vehicles (EVs) in an effort to comply with existing fuel economy standards. The new proposal would reduce the efficiency ratings of electric vehicles by about 10%, lowering the mileage rating for an EV from 125 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) to 113 MPGe. This current system of calculating the petroleum equivalent fuel economy has not been updated in over two decades.
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This proposal has been made to comply with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which requires automakers to meet a fleet-wide average fuel economy standard of 54.5 miles per gallon (MPG) by 2025. The new rules would take effect in the 2022 model year, but the agency is seeking public comment on the proposal before making a final decision.
Those who do not support the new rules argue that lowering the mileage rating of EVs could discourage consumers from buying electric vehicles and undermine efforts to combat climate change. Some environmental groups have criticized the proposed changes, saying that it would make it more difficult for automakers to comply with emissions regulations, potentially leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
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However, automakers that have supported the proposed changes are arguing that the current mileage ratings for electric vehicles are inflated and do not accurately reflect real-world driving conditions. Lowering the mileage ratings would provide a more accurate picture of the energy consumption and emissions of electric vehicles.
"Encouraging adoption of EVs can reduce petroleum consumption but giving too much credit for that adoption can lead to increased net petroleum use because it enables lower fuel economy among conventional vehicles, which represent by far the majority of vehicles sold," DOE said in its proposed regulation.
The proposed changes come as the Biden administration is pushing for a massive expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure and adoption in the United States. The administration has set a goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and has proposed a $174 billion plan to promote electric vehicles and other clean energy initiatives.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to propose new rules aimed at achieving significant cuts in vehicle emissions from 2027 to 2032. The rules are expected to push automakers to increase sales of electric vehicles, with at least half of the new US vehicle fleet being electric or plug-in hybrids by 2030. These proposed rules are in line with President Biden's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is also expected to propose new CAFE requirements that will be in line with the new EPA rules. Automakers that fail to meet the CAFE standards will be required to pay fines or buy credits.
Sources:
Reuters. "U.S. proposes to slash EV mileage ratings to meet fuel economy rules." April 11, 2023. https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-proposes-slash-ev-mileage-ratings-meet-fuel-economy-rules-2023-04-11/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Light-duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Program." https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/light-duty-vehicle-greenhouse-gas-ghg-program
The White House. "Fact Sheet: The American Jobs Plan." March 31, 2021. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/31/fact-sheet-the-american-jobs-plan/
