LOS ANGELES (KNX) — All new vehicles must average at least 49 miles-per-gallon by model year 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Friday, saying that the update applies to passenger cars and "light trucks."
The NHTSA calls the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards its "strongest cost savings and fuel efficiency standards to date" and said the new standards will increase fuel efficiency 8% annually for model years 2024-2025 and 10% annually for model year 2026.
The CAFE standards will make vehicle miles per gallon more efficient, save consumers money at the pump, and reduce transportation emissions, the agency said in a statement.
"Today's rule means that American families will be able to drive further before they have to fill up, saving hundreds of dollars per year," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
"These improvements will also make our country less vulnerable to global shifts in the price of oil, and protect communities by reducing carbon emissions by 2.5 billion metric tons."
The news standards were also implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, according to the NHTSA.
"These vehicles will be better for the environment, safer than ever, and cost less to fuel over their lifetimes," said Dr. Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s Deputy Administrator.
"We are proud to fulfill President Biden’s mission to move us to a more sustainable future, one that strengthens American energy independence and helps put more money in American families’ pockets."
The fuel economy standards follow President Joe Biden's January 2021 Executive Order on tackling the climate crisis.
The current model year was required to get just over 24 miles-per-gallon based on standards enacted under former President Donald Trump, according to NBC L.A.
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