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Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for light vehicles are defined by target fuel economy values which become increasingly strict each year, and are scaled according to each vehicle’s footprint*. Vehicles are classified either as a car or truck for regulatory purposes and separate standards apply. Each vehicle model is tested using standardized methods to calculate a miles per gallon (mpg) value which is compared to the appropriate target mpg value for the model year and vehicle’s footprint. The manufacturers receive a credit or penalty based on this comparison. The target value curves for years 2022-2025 may be revised during a process known as the “Midterm Evaluation” in which the latest available data will be reviewed during the period from June 2016 to April 2018 and changes made to the curves if appropriate. The first step of the Midterm Evaluation is a Technical Assessment Report which was published in July 2016.
CAFE Standards for Cars and Light Trucks, Model Years 2012-2025
* Vehicle footprint is based on a vehicle's track width and wheelbase. Track width is the distance between the centerlines of the right and left tires. Wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear tires.
Notes: CAFE values are not equivalent to window sticker fuel economy values. CAFE standards are regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which harmonizes the standards with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) greenhouse gas standards.
Supporting Information
The top graphic shows the CAFE Standard Targets for Cars in terms of fuel economy (mpg) and footprint (square feet) for model years 2012-2025. The data were derived by EPA/NHTSA using Equation IV-1 on page 63024 of the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 199, Monday, October 15, 2012.
The bottom graphic shows the CAFE Standard Targets for Light Trucks in terms of fuel economy (mpg) and footprint (square feet) for model years 2012-2025. The data were derived by EPA/NHTSA using Equation IV-3 on page 63025 of the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 199, Monday, October 15, 2012.
Sources:
Final Rule. Federal Register Vol. 75, No. 88 (May 7, 2010), pp. 25324-25728.
Final Rule. Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 199 (October 15, 2012), pp. 62623-63200.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), "CAFE Fuel Economy Standards and Midterm Evaluation for Light-Duty Vehicles, MYs 2022-2025," Schedule for the MYs 2022-2025 CAFE standards and MTE.