DOE to implement mandatory fuel economy labels for new vehicles

Have you ever been to an appliance store and noticed the energy efficiency ratio (EER) tags for things like refrigerators and air conditioning units? Well, every new vehicle sold in the country is set to have similar tags soon.

The Department of Energy is set to implement a mandatory Vehicle Fuel Economy Labeling Program (VFELP) system for both public and private road transport vehicles. This means vehicle buyers can readily access verified fuel economy rating figures and emissions calculations at the point of sale.

The tags are made to feature the combined fuel economy performance rating as declared by the manufacturer along with the CO2 emitted by the vehicle per kilometer. Based on the sample sticker, the fuel economy rating should be tested in accordance with established international standards. DOE is yet to specify which international standard will be followed, but we’re likely to see manufacturers use the WLTP cycle.

The tag also contains details like the vehicle classification under DOE, the make and model, the fuel being used by the vehicle, and the production year. The DOE requires all manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers, and rebuilders to register their vehicles with this mandate. According to the VFELP guidelines, the rating for each vehicle will be valid for six years.

According to DOE, the labeling mandate will begin by the first quarter of 2025.