EPA report: U.S. vehicle fuel economy reaches all-time high in MY 2022

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its annual Automotive Trends Report, revealing that the model year 2022 vehicle fuel economy reached an all-time high, while emission levels dropped to unprecedented lows. The report also confirmed that all 14 large manufacturers complied with light-duty greenhouse gas program requirements.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan highlighted the significant progress made by the automotive industry in reducing climate pollution and harmful emissions. “As the United States moves towards a clean transportation future, we’re seeing remarkable advancements in technology across multiple vehicle categories, leading to increased fuel efficiency and cost savings for American families,” he said.

Key report highlights

– The report noted the largest annual improvement in new vehicle carbon dioxide emissions and fuel economy over the last nine years, achieving record low CO2 emissions and record high fuel economy.

– From model year (MY) 2021 to 2022, the average fuel economy increased by 0.6 miles per gallon (mpg), more than doubling the annual rate of improvement over the past decade.

– Sport utility vehicles, among other vehicle types, reached their best-ever fuel economy, with an increase of 2.4 mpg in MY 2022.

– The average estimated real-world CO2 emission rate for all new vehicles fell by 3%, marking the lowest level ever reported.

– Since MY 2004, CO2 emissions have decreased by 27%, and fuel economy has increased by 35%.

– Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) contributed significantly to reducing the overall average CO2 emissions from the MY 2022 fleet by 22 grams per mile and improving fuel economy by 1.2 mpg.

Advancements in vehicle technology

The report highlights that most manufacturers have improved fuel economy over the past five years, utilising a wide array of advanced technologies to achieve CO2 emissions, fuel economy, and performance goals. In MY 2022, the combined category of EVs, PHEVs, and fuel cell vehicles increased from 4% of vehicles produced for sale in the U.S. in MY 2021 to 7% in MY 2022, with projections to reach 12% in MY 2023. This trend is expected to continue as EV production grows across the industry.

The EPA’s annual Automotive Trends Report, separate from the agency’s regulatory process, reflects its commitment to providing the public with information about new light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions, fuel economy, technology data, and auto manufacturers’ performance in meeting national emissions standards.