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EPA MILEAGE ESTIMATION &
FUEL ECONOMY
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Why you may not achieve the
EPA estimates ?
The EPA fuel economy ratings are derived in
uniform laboratory conditions, for the
purpose of allowing consumers to readily
compare different vehicles. There are many
factors which may cause your actual mileage
with your Lexus, or other vehicles, to vary
from the EPA ratings:
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Quick acceleration and
heavy braking may reduce mileage by as
much as 33% in highway driving and as
much as 5%in city driving.
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Driving at highway
speeds above 60 mph.
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Driving on hilly or
mountainous terrain and unpaved roads.
(EPA tests assume flat roads.)
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Short trips cause the
engine to run more as a percentage of
driving, as it warms the emissions
system.
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Carrying extra weight
(Carrying an extra 100 lbs. in the
vehicle reduces a typical car’s fuel
economy by 1-2 percent).
- Cargo on top of your vehicle. EPA
tests do not account for this type of
cargo.
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Poor maintenance.
(Vehicles tested are in top condition.)
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Some fuels contain less
energy than others. Using oxygenated
fuels or reformulated gasoline (RFG),
for example, can cause a small decrease
in fuel economy.
Quick Facts - EPA Mileage
Estimates:
The EPA estimated fuel
economy numbers are derived from vehicle
testing conducted at the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) National Vehicle
and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor,
Michigan. Vehicle manufacturers also submit
test results based on strict EPA
standardized drive patterns. Each year, the
EPA provides the data to the Department of
Energy, which publishes the results at
www.fueleconomy.gov.
Some quick facts about EPA estimated fuel
economy tests:
Federal law requires EPA estimated fuel
economy to be provided on a fuel economy
label affixed to the window of every vehicle
(see Figure 1). The EPA estimates serve as a
useful guide for comparing the relative fuel
efficiency of various vehicles and are
intended for comparison only. EPA ratings
are determined under uniform laboratory
conditions following a standardized test
determined by federal law. Each vehicle must
complete tests simulating a driving routine
for:
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City - Low speeds in
stop-and-go urban traffic.
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Highway - Free-flow
traffic at highway speeds.
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High Speed - Higher
speeds; harder acceleration and braking.
- AC- Air conditioner use under hot
ambient conditions.
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