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U.S. Fuel Economy Up 33% Since 1980
The average fuel economy of new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. has risen 33% from 19.2 mpg in the 1980 model year to 25.6 mpg in 2016, according to a report by the U.S. Dept. of Energy.
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The average fuel economy of new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. has risen 33% from 19.2 mpg in the 1980 model year to 25.6 mpg in 2016, according to a report by the U.S. Dept. of Energy.
DOE cites data from the Environmental Protection Agency, which show average vehicle horsepower more than doubled to 229 hp and acceleration times shorted by nearly 50% over the same period. Zero to 60 mph times have been cut from an average of 15.6 seconds in 1980 to 8.2 seconds last year.
Average vehicle weight peaked in 2011 at 4,126 lbs. But last year's average of 3,985 lbs was still 23% higher than in 1980, thanks to a sales mix that continues to shift from cars to heavier trucks, SUVs and crossovers.
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