Fed And Automakers To Meet On 55 MPG Standard - Is EPA Unrealistic Or Are The Automakers Sandbagging?

We're heading in the right direction, but our progress won't be linear, and we'll surely have setbacks, like VW's proclamations of "clean diesels" and EVs powered by "clean" electricity fueled by Pennsylvania's coal industry, just to name a few.

Like the Stone Age, which didn't end because we ran out of rocks, we'll leave the fossil fuel age because we've found a better way of doing things.

In reality - there is no current hope of reaching the 55mpg standard (Actually this is a misnomer - that level only applies to certain small cars - and changes by the footprint of the cars) - current Hybrid models do not approach the number - and NO regular gas engine can as well. While high fuel costs might have forced people to reconsider hybrid technology -- the fuel costs today are simply not doing that. Even the Dutch passing a law against internal combustion engines after 2025 wont produce the car that will meet the standards for everyone. Electric cars can meet the standard - but they come with their own limitations.

I believe the government will have to give the manufacturers more time to meet the standard at the least -

Just as a data point to show what's possible, I'm getting all all-time average (across 15,000 miles) of a true 35.8 MPG US = 6.57 L/100km. I recently got my best tank ever across 528 miles at 51.8 MPG = 4.54 L/100 km. That's a reduced fuel burn of about 31% from my all-time average. The "secret": all highway miles @ 50 mph, tire pressure @ 40 psi up from 32, driving in mild weather (cold weather stiffens components and increases friction, hot weather requires A/C). Driving style makes a HUGE fuel economy difference! (FYI, I'm driving an Audi Q5 3.0L diesel, w/AWD).

With a smaller engine, lighter vehicle, and conscientious driver, I believe it's possible to hit 50 MPG or more with internal combustion engines.

I agree Steve. My overall mileage for my Passat diesel is 38.2 MPG, and that is with 74% city driving. If I average 60 MPH on a freeway, I easily exceed 50 MPG.

The correct move is to ABANDON the CAFE bullshinola. Let the free market decide 100%. These standards are how fascist-socialists abridge the rights of citizens.

I bet you complain about the cost of cable. Put your head back in the sand. The government regulates/subsidizes all kinds of prices that you benefit from. Including the gas you put in your car.

i got 13 mpg on my ghibli sq4, 13.5 on my 235xi , and 13.7 on my m4.
i dont know how you guys get these high mpg's but no, they dont seem realistic.