New Labels Help Car Buyers Judge Fuel Efficiency

New car buyers now have another factor to influence their purchasing decision. The federal government recently unveiled new fuel economy labels designed to help consumers understand and compare the fuel efficiency of new vehicles.

The U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) say the new labeling system will help consumers take advantage of the increased efficiency standards set by the Obama administration last year. The new labels, said to be the most dramatic overhaul to fuel economy labels since the program began over 30 years ago, aim to give consumers better information for vehicles that are covered by these increased fuel efficiency standards.

“Today’s car buyers want the best possible information about which cars on the lot offer the greatest fuel economy and the best environmental performance,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson in a statement. “The new labels provide comprehensive information to American car buyers, helping them make a choice that will save money at the gas pump and prevent pollution in the air we breathe.”

The new labels not only reveal the miles per gallon expected for a given vehicle, but they also tell the estimated annual fuel cost, overall fuel economy, greenhouse gas rating, smog rating, and more. The labels are designed to offer a quick and easy-to-read breakdown of various aspects of a vehicle’s fuel economy so that consumers can make an informed decision when making a new purchase.

Consumers may not spot the new labels until early next year, when all 2013 models will be required to feature the new label. Automakers may voluntarily adopt the new labels for 2012 vehicles.

A slightly different label design will be used to distinguish vehicle categories. The new system uses three different label layouts to illustrate the fuel efficiency among conventional gasoline-powered vehicles and hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and vehicles that only use plug-in power.

Smartphone users can find even more specific information on the new fuel labels. A QR code on every new label allows smartphone users to access online information about how various models compare on fuel economy and other environmental and energy factors. This tool will also allow consumers to enter information about their typical commutes and driving behavior in order to get a more precise estimate of fuel costs and savings.

Officials say that the administration’s 2010 fuel economy rule will dramatically increase the energy efficiency of cars and trucks built in model years 2012 through 2016, saving 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the life of the program and the average consumer $3,000 in fuel costs.