Tesla has urged the Biden administration to finalize tougher fuel economy standards through 2032 than proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA proposed raising CAFE car requirements by 2% and 4% for trucks and SUVs annually between 2027 and 2032.
Tesla wants the agency to finalize rules increasing stringency for cars by 6% annually and 8% for trucks and SUVs, aiming to conserve energy and address climate change. Tesla’s position is at odds with major automakers, who have criticized the NHTSA’s proposal, calling it unreasonable and requesting significant revisions.
The American Automotive Policy Council, representing the Detroit Three automakers, has urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reduce its proposed fuel economy increases to 2% annually for trucks, claiming it would disproportionately impact the truck fleet.
The group notes that 83% of vehicles produced by Ford, GM, and Chrysler parent Stellantis are trucks. The NHTSA aims to save Americans money and strengthen energy independence, with the combined benefits estimated to exceed costs by over $18 billion.
Automakers are also concerned about the Energy Department’s proposal to significantly revise the calculation of the petroleum-equivalent fuel economy rating for electric vehicles, which they believe would devalue their fuel economy by 72%.
