The U.S. Department of Energy last week introduced its new label design, required for all 2013 automobiles and light trucks. For the first time, the stickers will require estimated yearly fuel expenses and rate overall environmental influence.
Energy Independence and Security Act
The stickers stem from the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which required stickers for energy usage. Consumer information was in the agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation last year. It is there too.
Previous conceptual drafts look about the same
The labels are pretty close to the Environmental Protection Agency conceptual draft stickers that came out. The fuels for the cars are displayed to them. They have the emission ratings, levels of consumption and miles per gallon listed.
Letter grades done away with
The inclusion of letter grades on the new stickers inspired much debate in earlier drafts. The original reason of the grades was to rate from D to A PLUS the efficiency of the car. The B- was anticipated to be the average. Five-year fuel costs will be estimated on the labels instead. Harmful emissions from 1 to 10 will be rated on there too.
Hybrid and electric automobiles
The distance an automobile can drive fully charged will be put on electric and hybrid automobiles. This will help customers a lot.
Personalize with a QR rating
To be able to help out smartphone users, the stickers will have a QR code too. This is also required. The code can be used to calculate estimates on gasoline prices depending on the driver’s personal habits also as tailored to his or her locality. QR calculators will even be available online.
Washington calls it a ‘win-win’
”These new window stickers are a win-win,” according to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “They’ll help consumers make informed choices to save at the pump.”
Huge program
Much more basic information was needed in a five-year old program which the brand new sticker program will replace. It is a huge change. The 35-year-old sticker program will be swapped out.
Not done quite yet
Brand new fuel economy standards will be released for commercial buses and trucks in July by the Environmental Protection Agency. Also, new gas mileage standards will be released for all other vehicles. This will take place next fall.
The vehicles could be seen very soon even though they won’t be required until 2013 sales.
Data from
Edmonton Journal
edmontonjournal.com/cars/labels+better+reflect+fuel+costs/4865881/story.html
New York Times
nytimes.com/2011/05/26/business/energy-environment/26label.html
Automotive
blogs.automotive.com/6730328/miscellaneous/new-fuel-economy-window-sticker-update-details/index.html
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