Combined Fuel Economy: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Meaning

Q: How is combined fuel economy calculated?

It is calculated by taking 55 percent of the city fuel economy and 45 percent of the highway fuel economy.

Q: Does combined fuel economy apply to electric vehicles?

Yes, it applies to electric vehicles by converting their energy consumption into an equivalent fuel economy value.

Definition & meaning

Combined fuel economy refers to the average fuel efficiency of a vehicle, calculated by taking a weighted average of its city and highway fuel economy ratings. For gasoline and diesel vehicles, the city rating is weighted at 55 percent, and the highway rating at 45 percent. For electric vehicles, combined fuel economy is expressed as an equivalent value based on the energy consumption of petroleum-based fuels.

Table of content

Legal use & context

This term is commonly used in environmental regulations and vehicle emission standards. It plays a crucial role in determining compliance with fuel economy standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Understanding combined fuel economy is important for manufacturers, consumers, and regulatory bodies as it impacts vehicle labeling, taxation, and incentives for fuel-efficient vehicles.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if a gasoline vehicle has a city fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon (mpg) and a highway fuel economy of 30 mpg, the combined fuel economy would be calculated as follows:

Combined fuel economy = (0.55 * 20) + (0.45 * 30) = 24.5 mpg

(hypothetical example)

Relevant laws & statutes

Combined fuel economy is primarily defined under the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 40 CFR 600.002-85, which outlines the fuel economy regulations for motor vehicles in the United States.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Difference
Fuel Economy	The efficiency of a vehicle in terms of distance traveled per unit of fuel consumed.	Combined fuel economy specifically averages city and highway ratings, while fuel economy may refer to either.
City Fuel Economy	The fuel efficiency of a vehicle during city driving conditions.	City fuel economy is one component of combined fuel economy.
Highway Fuel Economy	The fuel efficiency of a vehicle during highway driving conditions.	Highway fuel economy is the other component of combined fuel economy.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you're purchasing a vehicle, understanding its combined fuel economy can help you make an informed decision about fuel costs and environmental impact. Consider using US Legal Forms to access legal templates related to vehicle purchases or compliance with fuel economy regulations. For complex situations, consulting a legal professional may be necessary.

Find a legal form that suits your needs

Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.

This field is required

Quick facts

Attribute	Details
Typical Units	Miles per gallon (mpg)
Regulatory Body	Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Applicable Vehicles	Gasoline, diesel, and electric vehicles

Key takeaways

FAQs

What is the importance of combined fuel economy?

It helps consumers understand the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, influencing purchasing decisions and compliance with regulations.