The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its 50th annual Automotive Trends Report, indicating that the fuel economy for model year 2023 vehicles has reached an unprecedented level while greenhouse gas emissions have fallen to record lows. The report confirms that all 14 major automotive manufacturers are adhering to the EPA's light-duty greenhouse gas program requirements through the MY 2023 reporting period.
The new electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on the roads today have contributed to an 11% reduction in CO2 emissions. The report marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its half-century anniversary, continuing to offer detailed insights into advancements within the automotive industry.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of this data, stating, “This report provides a critical data-driven affirmation that strong, technology-neutral standards can underpin environmental progress while saving drivers money at the pump.” He highlighted that manufacturers are continually innovating and introducing technologies that enhance air quality and protect public health.
Over five decades, substantial achievements have been made in reducing vehicle emissions and improving public health. Since the EPA began collecting data in 1975, vehicles have become approximately 99% cleaner regarding common pollutants such as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. These reductions help mitigate adverse health effects like asthma and heart problems. Fuel economy has also seen improvement from 13.1 miles per gallon in MY 1975 to 27.1 mpg for MY 2023 vehicles.
Despite these advancements, passenger cars and light trucks still contributed nearly 17% of total U.S. GHG emissions in 2022, underscoring the need for continued reductions in GHG emissions and enhancements in fuel economy.
Key highlights from the report include:
- For MY 2023, new vehicle fuel economy increased by 1.1 mpg, reaching a record high of 27.1 miles per gallon.
- Real-world CO2 emissions decreased to a record low of 319 grams per mile.
- Since MY 2004, CO2 emissions have decreased by 31%, or 142 g/mi, with fuel economy increasing by 40%, or 7.8 mpg.
- Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are driving down real-world emissions further.
- In MY 2023, battery-electric vehicles, PHEVs, and fuel cell vehicles constituted an increased share of production from previous years.
This report underscores EPA’s dedication to providing comprehensive information about light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions and related metrics separate from regulatory processes.
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