The 2021 Automotive Trends Report has been released by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and it includes some encouraging news for the entire industry. The best part is that a record-high fuel economy rating was set along with low pollution levels for 2020 model year automobiles.
According to the EPA, the average fuel economy for the cars built in 2020 is 25.4 miles per gallon, which is 0.5 mpg higher than the average for the previous model year interval. Furthermore, the cars tested showed emissions as little as 349 grams of CO2 per mile on average. This is the lowest emission level ever recorded, 7 g/mi lower than the results posted, on average, in 2019.
A reduction of 24% in harmful carbon dioxide emissions since model year 2004 is also highlighted in the paper. Furthermore, compared to the previous year, overall fuel economy has grown by 32%.
“Today’s report is a great indicator that automakers are following through with their promise of achieving clean car standards while providing consumers with great vehicle options,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I am optimistic that the innovation and marketing power of the auto industry, coupled with President Biden’s unprecedented support for a zero emissions future, will accelerate cleaner technologies, sharply cutting pollution to meet the climate challenge,” he added.
Likewise, the EPA predicts that manufacturing of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles will increase next year. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles will account for 4% of manufacturing in 2021, while hybrids will account for 9% of the total vehicles in the United States. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles currently account for 2% of total vehicle sales, while hybrids account for 5%.
That upwards trend will probably be influenced by the recently agreed-upon targets set by President Joe Biden. Since taking office, Biden passed a bill, requiring EV sales to account for 50 percent of all new car sales by 2030.
