As carmakers improve the fuel efficiency of some models, many American car buyers are purchasing big trucks and SUVs that still offer low MPGs.
Despite improvements in the fuel efficiency of some vehicles, the average car in the United States did not get more efficient in 2021, reports Sean Tucker for MarketWatch. “The average new vehicle purchased in 2021 managed 25.4 mpg—the same figure as 2020.”
As Tucker explains, this is because the car buying choices made by many Americans are canceling out any gains made by cleaner, more efficient engines. “Truck-based SUVs made up 45% of the market in 2021, the EPA says. More efficient sedans and wagons — 50% of the market as recently as 2013 — fell to just 26%.”
The EPA expressed optimism that gains in efficiency will pick up next year. “Though 2021 saw flat lines or modest improvements, the EPA estimates that 2022’s numbers will be better” as electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles, which are expected to rise from 4 percent of production to 8 percent in 2022, become more popular.
FULL STORY: Americans’ car choices are canceling out fuel efficiency gains
Heavier Vehicles Don’t Keep Passengers Safer
A new study shows that modern safety features are more important than size and weight once vehicles weigh over 4,000 pounds.
Tall Vehicles: Unsafe at Any Speed
Vehicles with taller front-end designs are more likely to injure pedestrians even when traveling at lower speeds.
Congress Introduces Bill to Limit Size of SUVs and Trucks
Lawmakers want the federal government to set standards for vehicle height and visibility to combat the sharp rise in pedestrian deaths over the past decade.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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