Technical Paper
Comparison of EPA and On-Road Fuel Economy – Analysis Approaches, Trends, and Impacts
1982-02-01
820788
This paper is the latest in a series of reports on the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) comparison of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy estimates and on-road fuel economy performance. Earlier reports described a variety of analysis techniques, described DOE’s expanding inuse fuel economy data base, and presented analysis of trends in EPA- versus on-road fuel economy. The focus of this paper is the most recent additions to the data base (including data on light trucks and 1981 model-year cars), the development of DOE analysis techniques, and some of the more interesting trends revealed in this year’s analysis. Particular attention is given to model-year and vehicle-type differences, including driveline technology and model-type trends. The application of these results to improving fuel economy information programs and advertising for consumers is examined.