The Environmental Protection Agency has begun using a new method to estimate fuel economy starting with 2008 model year vehicles. The new method is more accurate than the EPA’s older method. The EPA adopted the new method in December after complaints that fuel economy estimates have been too high. The new estimates more accurately reflect such driving factors as higher speeds, harder acceleration and greater use of accessories like as air conditioning.

The more accuracy rating will result in lower MPG ratings for nearly every vehicle on the road. Not that the vehicles have suddenly become less fuel-efficient, it’s just the EPA’s estimation of the fuel economy numbers.

So how can you compare your pre-2008 vehicle? What’s the more accurate 2008 standard estimate? The EPA’s web site at fueleconomy.gov has recalculated fuel economy numbers for past model year vehicles so you can see how your pre-2008 vehicle compares.

## Source: EPA via Automotive News ##

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