Fuel Economy and Environment Labels
Basic Information
A New Generation of Labels for a New Generation of Vehicles
New labels required for all 2013 models
In May 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized the biggest re-design ever of the fuel economy labels since they were introduced 35 years ago. When the new “fuel economy and environment” labels start to appear in showrooms and online, car shoppers will have more information at their fingertips than ever before like:
- New ways to compare energy use and cost between new-technology cars that use electricity and conventional cars that are gasoline-powered.
- Useful estimates on how much consumers will save or spend on fuel over the next five years compared to the average new vehicle.
- Easy-to-read ratings of how a model compares to all others for smog emissions and emissions of pollution that contribute to climate change.
- An estimate of how much fuel or electricity it takes to drive 100 miles.
- Information on the driving range and charging time of an electric vehicle.
- A QR Code®1 (footnote) that will allow users of smartphones to access online information about how various models compare on fuel economy and other environmental and energy factors.
The new labels will begin appearing in dealer showrooms in 2012 when the 2013 models begin to go on display or earlier if automakers voluntarily adopt the new labels for model year 2012 vehicles.
Click on the labels below to view interactive information about the new labels.
See labels for all vehicle types, including FFVs (flexible fuel vehicles), hydrogen FCVs (hydrogen fuel cell vehicles), and CNG (compressed natural gas) vehicles: All Labels (PDF) (11 pp, 1.4MB, May 2011)
Information on the Current and Historical Fuel Economy Labels
In December 2006, EPA issued updated test methods to determine the fuel economy estimates that appear on the window stickers of all new cars and light trucks sold in the U.S., beginning with 2008 models. For more information about the updated methods, see EPA's Final Rule.
See the label that applies to 2008 through 2012 model year vehicles.
Side by side comparison of 2008-2012 to new 2013 label.
See the label that appeared on vehicles before the 2008 model year.
(footnote:) 1 QR Code is registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.