The average model year 2021 vehicle is going only marginally further on a given gallon of gasoline than the previous year’s average vehicle, but it’s emitting less carbon dioxide along the way than past model years, according to the latest federal automotive data published Monday.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s annual “Automotive Trends Report” showed a fleetwide reduction in estimated carbon dioxide emissions to 347 grams per mile among the major manufacturers’ 2021 models, the lowest ever measured. Fuel economy increased but only by a small fraction, rising from 25.38 to 25.42 miles per gallon, leading the agency to say 2021 vehicles are functionally maintaining fuel economy levels achieved in model year 2020.
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The numbers showed progress toward the Biden administration’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in transportation. The sector contributes more to the country’s overall carbon footprint than other sectors, such as industry and power generation.
Tightening fuel economy standards and technological advancements have helped cut tailpipe emissions in half since the 1970s. Carbon dioxide emissions have decreased 25% since model year 2004, while fuel economy has increased 32%, according to EPA data.
The EPA’s dataset notably included electric vehicle models, whose lack of tailpipe emissions helps drive the average downward where increases happen elsewhere, such as the increase in sales of larger, higher-emitting models.
The Biden administration has sought to drive fuel economy higher by tightening tailpipe emissions standards. The EPA finalized greenhouse gas emission regulations for new light-duty cars and trucks nearly a year ago, set to take effect beginning with model year 2023 and increase through model year 2026, when automakers will be required to reach an average of 55 miles per gallon across their fleets.
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Separate standards developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would require passenger cars and light trucks to achieve an average 49 miles per gallon economy for all new makes beginning in model year 2026.
The EPA’s report said model 2022 vehicles are expected to exceed 2021 vehicles’ fuel economy and emissions numbers.
