by Jbs102208b i3 — October 24, 2008—Facilities managers in charge of fleets can save money and time when purchasing new vehicles by using the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE)’s new 2009 Fuel Economy Guide. The guide offers consumers the information they need to buy greener and cleaner cars and trucks, says EPA, with explanations of current fuel-efficient and alternative fuel options.
Fuel-efficient models come in all types and sizes, so consumers can save thousands of dollars over a vehicle’s lifetime without sacrificing performance, reports EPA. Included in the 2009 fuel economy leaders are diesel vehicles certified to EPA’s tightest emissions standards. EPA says that consumers now have access to the cleanest diesels ever available in the US marketplace.
Each vehicle listing in the Fuel Economy Guide provides an estimated annual fuel cost. The online guide includes an interactive feature that allows consumers to insert their local gasoline prices and typical driving habits to receive a personalized fuel cost estimate.
Fuel economy estimates now include the revised test methods implemented in model year 2008. These revised tests better reflect “real world” driving conditions and habits, asserts EPA, including higher highway speed limits and use of accessories such as air conditioning.
For the first time, the Fuel Economy Guide is available to mobile users (fueleconomy.gov/m), and is readily accessible from a mobile device, smart phone, or personal digital assistant (PDA).
A complete version of the Fuel Economy Guide is available on the joint DOE/EPA Fuel Economy Web site, along with detailed information on fuel economy.
Other resources available online are: comprehensive information about EPA’s Fuel Economy program; EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide Web site to locate the cleanest and most fuel efficient vehicles; and EPA’s Fuel Economy Leaders: 2009 Model Year Web site with the 2009 fuel economy leaders within each class as well as the lowest fuel economy models.
