NHTSA's fuel efficiency plan may hinder the shift to electric vehicles: Auto Alliance

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation has raised concerns about the proposed fuel economy standards for 2027-2032 model year vehicles by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the group, if these standards are finalized, it could hinder the industry's transition to electric vehicles.

In July, the NHTSA issued a proposal for fuel economy standards for the mentioned model years. The proposal called for a 2% per year improvement in fuel efficiency for cars and a 4% per year improvement for light trucks. The finalized standards from last year required an 8% per year improvement for cars in the 2024 and 2025 model years, and 10% in 2026.

As reported by Automotive News, the NHTSA's July proposal would require an average fleet fuel economy of nearly 58 mpg by the 2032 model year. In comparison, the standards from last year required a combined fleet average of about 49 mpg in the 2026 model year.

During a virtual public hearing, Michael Hartrick from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation expressed concerns about the NHTSA's July proposal, stating that it "exceeds maximum feasibility." He also highlighted worries about penalties for noncompliance and a pending rule at the US Department of Energy that could pose challenges for automakers trying to balance their investments in electric vehicles and improving the efficiency of their internal combustion engine vehicles.

Hartrick further stated, "We are concerned that NHTSA's consideration of BEVs in developing its proposed standards, despite statutory prohibitions, combined with DOE's proposal to devalue the fuel economy of electric vehicles by 72% will result in serious misalignment, distracting manufacturers' attention and resources from the EV transition."

Ann Carlson, the acting administrator of the NHTSA, defended the agency's standards, emphasizing that they would enhance the efficiency of cars in the United States. She also highlighted that these standards would contribute to US energy independence, save money for Americans, and provide more consumer choice. Carlson stated, "These targets are consistent with Congress' direction to conserve fuel and promote American energy independence and American auto manufacturing."

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FutureCar Staff