Poll: Adopt the EPA's "New" FE Figures?

[rh77]

OK, it looks like the EPA has changed their FE estimates for many vehicles.

Thread 1

Thread 2

For me, a considerable increase in the "Percentage FE over EPA Combined" would be realized.

Before I go updating this info in the garage, should I consider this inaccurate or accept it as the new value? For consistency, what are others doing?

Cast your vote...

RH77

[kickflipjr]

No, it will be to much confusion on this site. Some people will end up putting in new epa and some will end up putting old epa figures. I vote for keeping with the old figures.

[repete86]

What do we do when they phase out the old figures, and at what point will new cars only be tested with the new method? I don't think that a sudden shift is going to be good now or later. For now, it might be good to have two fields: one for the new and one for the old. With the new figures, a higher percentage should be required for hypermiler status.

[skewbe]

A epa-like comparison is ok, it levels the playing field and potentially encourages everyone, but maybe the comparison should be based on that users previous performance, like bracket racing or a golf handicap, so that it accurately absorbs the effects of the particular vehicle and environment?

EPA is pretty arbitrary starting point for comparisons between different vehicle types, especially considering it is currently in flux.

[GasSavers_Red]

I say yes as there is no way to "backwards" test the new 08 vehicles to find their equivalent EPA value. Take two identical Prius for example an 03 and an 08, should the 03 get seemly better EPA figures compared to the 08?

[Hockey4mnhs]

where do i find the new ones for my car?

[cfg83]

Hello -

I voted no but will wait abide by the outcome. We mostly just need to agree on which way to go. Resolving this now will make things easier down the line.

I do think that repete86 is right. There is going to be alot of confusion for people arriving with new or old cars, *UNLESS* the garage entry is *very* helpful in terms of identifying the EPA figures. For old or new cars, they need to be directed to the EPA MPG "remapper" URL. At least the nice thing about that URL is that it appears to be pretty comprehensive. We may need an evergreen "What's Your EPA MPG" thread to help newbies (a pointer in the FAQ or ?????). This thread could also be usefull for outside-USA people who want to fit their non-USA cars into the EPA MPG metrics.

Matt? Skewbe? What do you think?

(Thanks for the poll RH77!)

CarloSW2

[cfg83]

Hockey4mnhs-

Originally Posted by Hockey4mnhs

where do i find the new ones for my car?

Here it is :

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorSelectYear.jsp

Red posted it in this thread :

Comparing Old and New EPA MPG Estimates
http://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=2821

CarloSW2

[SVOboy]

Yes, new values. Better comparison between old and new cars...the reason you don't see values pre-85 is because they changed the testing and the old values became invalid. People don't look at them at all anymore. Rather than let the new old values fall by the wayside in terms of utility, we should switch to the corrected old values.

[Peakster]

I also voted yes for the new values. New cars will have a different EPA test than before and these values do reflect today's driving environments (for example: the Trans-Canada Highway's speed limit in Saskatchewan was increased from 100km/h to 110km/h a few years back, and the amount of road congestion [hours spent being delayed in traffic] is increasing).

Time to be progressive and bite the bullet that will no doubt come.