Fuel Efficiency Standards for Work Trucks

The US federal government has issued fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas pollution standards for work trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles (August 2011).

Under the new program, trucks and buses built in 2014 through 2018 will reduce oil consumption? by a projected 530 million barrels? and greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 270 million metric tons. The initiative will also reduce fuel costs by an estimated $50 billion over the life of the program. The U.S. Department of Transportation? and the Environmental Protection Agency developed the standards in coordination with the automotive industry and other stakeholders, including environmental groups and the state of California.

The joint DOT/EPA program will include a range of targets that are specific to the diverse vehicle types.

Vehicles are divided into three major categories:

• combination tractors (semi-trucks)
• heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans
• vocational vehicles (like transit buses and refuse trucks)

Within each of those categories, more specific targets are provided based on the design and purpose of the vehicle. By the 2018 model year, certain semi-trucks will achieve up to an approximately 20% reduction in fuel consumption and GHG emissions, a saving up to 4 gallons of fuel for every 100 miles traveled.