New cars in America set consumption records! Still bad…

American cars don’t have a reputation for being fuel efficient, but they are definitely becoming more fuel efficient. Although the average fleet consumption is still nothing special.

By 2022, all new vehicles sold in the US achieved an average fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon, which is equivalent to 1 liter per 11 kilometers. That’s 0.2 kilometers better than in 2021.

New cars more economical

This figure is expected to increase by 0.4 kilometers in 2023, bringing the proportion of new cars in the US to approximately 1 in 11.4. Still not great, although the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is happy with it.

The American Three

What is striking – and not surprising – is that the three major American automakers are still in last place when it comes to fuel economy. After all, they all sell full-size pickup trucks.

Tesla and Hyundai the best

Stellantis is the best performer of the laggards, followed by GM and Ford. At the top of the list is Tesla, followed by Hyundai and Honda in second and third place.

SUV sales continue to rise

The EPA report identifies a worrying development. Sales of SUVs increased by 54 percent. For cars and station wagons, the value fell by 27 percent.

Stricter EPA requirements

In April of this year, the EPA made a proposal that new cars in 2032 would have to be an average of 56 percent cleaner than in 2026. Car manufacturers believe this is too strict, environmental organizations not strict enough.