Have you ever wondered what all that information means on the EPA sticker you see when buying a new car? Continue reading and we’ll explain everything you need to know.
Why a Rating?
Fuel combusting Vehicles emit smog forming emissions, such as nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. These emissions form that brownish haze you’ll see over cities in the summer time. The emissions get trapped close to the ground and make it difficult for some people to breathe, especially those lung disease such as asthma.
The EPA sticker not only tells you how many MPG a vehicle can achieve or how much fuel savings you can get, but also how the vehicle compares to others in giving off these emissions. This is the Smog Rating. See the illustration below to become more familiar with the EPA sticker. The higher the Smog Rating, the cleaner the vehicle.
Vehicle Technology and Fuel
Shows the type of fuel or fuels the vehicle can use. You will most commonly see “Gasoline Vehicle,” “Flexible Fuel Vehicle: Gasoline-Ethanol,” or “Diesel Vehicle.”
Fuel Economy
Official EPA fuel economy estimates. The Combined City/Highway estimate is the most prominent to allow quick and easy comparison to other vehicles.
Comparing Fuel Economy to Other Vehicles
Look here to compare the fuel efficiency of this vehicle to other vehicles in the same category and to find out the highest fuel economy among all vehicles.
You Save/Spend More Over 5 Years
This is an estimate of how much more (or less) this vehicle will cost to fuel over five years relative to the average new vehicle, based on the assumptions listed in the print at the bottom of the label.
Fuel Consumption Rate
The estimated rate of fuel consumption, in gallons per 100 miles, for combined city and highway driving. Unlike MPG, consumption relates directly to the amount of fuel used, and thus to fuel expenditures.
Estimated Annual Fuel Cost
The estimated rate of fuel consumption, in gallons per 100 miles, for combined city and highway driving. Unlike MPG, consumption relates directly to the amount of fuel used, and thus to fuel expenditures.
Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Range
A 1 to 10 rating based on fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions, where a rating of 10 is best. The pointer shows where this vehicle is within the range.
Tailpipe CO2 Emissions Information
Shows tailpipe CO2 emissions in grams per mile for combined city and highway driving and the emissions of the vehicle with the lowest CO2 emissions. Explains that consumers can learn more about emissions from the production of fuels at www.fueleconomy.gov.
Smog Rating
A 1 to 10 rating, where a rating of 10 is best, based on exhaust emissions that contribute to air pollution. The pointer shows where this vehicle is within the range.
Details in Fine Print
Look here for information related to the estimates and ratings, such as the assumptions used to determine the estimated annual fuel cost (15,000 miles per year and $3.70 per gallon for this example). Also contains a reminder that “your mileage will vary.”
QR Code
Download a free bar code app to your smartphone and scan this QR Code® to get additional and customizable information about the vehicle.
Fueleconomy.gov
Consumer information and tools associated with the new labels will be available at www.fueleconomy.gov.
Now you can access EPA data for many vehicles on the fueleconomy.gov website. Compare vehicles and view environmental information (like Smog Ratings). Use the Find A Car tool to help in your search for your next vehicle or see the efficiency of your current vehicle.
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