Trucks Lead Fuel Efficiency Gains

The Environmental Protection Agency released a report yesterday stating that the projected average fuel economy for 2007-model-year cars and light trucks is increasing .3 mpg because of higher fuel efficiency in the truck market. The gains are small for sure, but from 2004 to 2007 the average fuel economy for trucks has risen 1.0 mpg, while cars ticked up just 0.3 mpg in the same time frame. The EPA points to higher truck CAFE standards for the gains. It’s also impressive because market share for light trucks — which includes truck-based SUVs — has been steady during this time at 50% of the entire market.

Why aren’t cars gaining faster? The report points to increased weight due to more added features as well as higher performance. Those are two key factors in determining fuel efficiency.