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DOT Finalizes Rollback of Fuel Economy Standards Excluding EVs

Stripping electric vehicles from CAFE calculations allows NHTSA to set weaker mileage targets for new vehicles.

Cars drive along the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 22, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel Cole/File Photo
Janelle Lowe prepares to charge her electric vehicle at a charging station Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Long Beach, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy speaks during a news conference to provide a status update on Newark Liberty International Airport at the Department of Transportation in Washington, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Overview

  • The final Resetting the Corporate Average Fuel Economy rule states that Biden-era inclusion of electric vehicles exceeded the department’s legal authority and rescinds that approach.
  • Under the new interpretation, EV credits are removed from efficiency calculations, effectively lowering the baseline mileage requirements for passenger cars and light trucks.
  • The rule empowers the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to propose fresh fuel economy targets, replacing the previous mandates for 2% annual improvements on cars and 10% increases for heavy-duty trucks.
  • Environmental advocates warn that reduced standards will shrink clean-vehicle options, raise consumer fuel expenses and boost greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Senate Republicans have advanced legislation to eliminate penalties for automakers failing to meet CAFE requirements, further easing compliance pressure.