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U.S. Finalizes Fuel Economy Targets for Highway Trucks

New highway trucks in the U.S. must become about 25% more fuel efficient by 2027 under new carbon dioxide emission limits announced earlier today by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S.
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New highway trucks in the U.S. must become about 25% more fuel efficient by 2027 under new carbon dioxide emission limits announced earlier today by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Dept. of Transportation.

The rules, which are 10% more stringent than last year’s proposed standards, will take effect with the 2018 model year. The new regulations also will require heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans to become 2.5% more fuel efficient every year between 2021 and 2027, netting a 16% improvement in carbon dioxide emissions and fuel efficiency.

EPA estimates the rules will save truck operators roughly $170 billion in fuel costs—the largest operating expense for big rigs. The agency estimates the savings will offset the cost of added fuel-efficient technologies in less than two years.

Manufacturers should be able to meet the new targets for both groups of trucks by continuing to apply existing technologies the improve powertrain efficiency, reduce tire rolling resistance and enhance aerodynamics, according to EPA and DOT.

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