According to the NGO Environmental Working Group, the consumption performance displayed by American manufacturers has nothing to do with the actual performance of vehicles. EWG calls for the modification of the tests so that they more reflect the reality of the driving modes and the conditions of use of the vehicles.
Since 1985, vehicles must meet an average performance of 27,5 miles per gallon (MPG) or 8,55 l / 100km for passenger vehicles and from 19,4 MPG (12,12 l / 100km) to 22,2 (10,59 l / 100km) for heavy goods vehicles (including the "light" SUV category). However, these tests are based on old conditions (1965 for the urban test and 1974 for the highway test), simulate only flat terrain, soft accelerations, optimal outside temperatures and a limit of 55 miles per hour ( or 88,5 km / h which is no longer the federal rule since 1995). In addition, they do not include any electrical equipment (audio, air conditioning) which has become widespread. Out of 300 models studied, less than 10% have real performances in line with those displayed.
EWG estimates that actual consumption is around 21,7 MPG (10,84 l / 100km) for cars and 16,3 MPG (14,43 l / 100km) for heavy goods vehicles. According to his calculations, this difference would correspond to 710 million barrels of oil, or 2 months of American consumption of automotive fuels. The NGO therefore supports the Senate initiative "Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy", introduced on June 20, which would force the automobile industry to carry out tests in more realistic conditions, while imposing consumption standards of 10 MPG and by removing the privileges enjoyed by "light" heavy trucks. But as EWG points out, this initiative will come up against the lobbying of manufacturers, who are doing everything to keep the situation as it is.
As an indirect consequence of "optimistic" tests, there is a tendency for high-efficiency vehicles to slow down, such as the Prius hybrids, whose drivers seek to stick to theoretical consumption. Many drivers complain of the slowness of hybrids, especially when they are authorized, as in California or Virginia, to use unconditionally the quick release lanes (carpool lanes, carpool lanes, reserved for vehicles carrying the minus two people or three people depending on the case) during rush hour ...
source: http://www.bulletins-electroniques.com/ ... /34616.htm
