Which EPA Numbers?

[blindman10]

Why not adjusted EPA numbers?

For my 2007 vehicle, your site imports the EPA numbers based on the old testing method and not the adjusted numbers based on the revised testing method. Is there a reason for this? Its just kind of difficult to compare my vehicle to 2008's of the same make/model (with an idential engine and body). Could this be changed? Or maybe give us the option of modifying the numbers ourselves?

[pb]

The EPA doesn't make their new numbers available in a format that's easy for sites like Fuelly to consume. They make their estimates available here in a computer-friendly format, and that's what we used when we set up the site. Unfortunately these files have the old numbers in them.

We tried to reverse engineer the new numbers thinking it was some kind of mathematic formula, but we weren't able to crack that code.

If the EPA makes the new estimates available for bulk download we will definitely update our system, but updating them by hand is going to be too labor intensive for the size of our operation.

We might be able to set up having people put in their own numbers. It'll require storing estimates for each user. And we wouldn't be able to call them EPA estimates at that point because we can't double-check everyone's entries to make sure they match what the EPA has.

[blindman10]

I certainly understand the issue with bulk downloading/importing. Its just bothersome on the user's end to be comparing to invalid/unrealistic numbers. Currently I find myself storing my fillups on two websites (yours and ecomodder.com) so that I can more accurately compare.

[pb]

I hear you. I'm frustrated too that we can't get the most current numbers.

If you send me a link to your vehicle's details on the EPA's website I'll get the numbers updated for your model. I don't mind spot-updating like that, but it won't scale to the entire system.

[blindman10]

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008c...f.jsp?id=23621

I think that is the link to my vehicle, if it works. It is a 2007 Pontiac Vibe (1.8l auto).

I definitely appreciate you doing that. I really your websites features and like your willingness to listen to your users!

Thanks again!

[pb]

ok thanks, got that updated.

It's funny, the EPA stopped calling the old numbers something like "old ratings" and now calls them "Official EPA Window Sticker MPG". They call the new ratings, "New EPA MPG". It's a bit confusing.

I also sent another request to the EPA asking them to include the new mpg ratings in their bulk datafiles.

[BDC]

CAFE penalties are still assessed using the old standards, as well as the requirements for our gift to Fiat ("build a 40mpg Chrysler"). So they'll be around for the foreseeable future.

[udtrev]

Fiat already do a 40mpg car - http://www.fuelly.com/car/fiat/500

Trev

[mikewithaprius]

Hey pb, thanks for asking the EPA, hopefully they can get you something soon. I'd love to see this done, too, especially since then I'll be clear above the EPA rating instead of barely meeting it. Great site you have.

P.S. 2007 Prius, 48 city, 45 highway, 46 combined, if you have the time :-)

http://www.wired.com/cars/futuretran.../05/hybrid_mpg

[blindman10]

Thanks, my numbers look a bit better now...still working hard to improve tho!