[Cannon]

I listened to an interview this monring on NPR about the EPA changing the way they calculate the MPG for vehicles starting for all 2008 models.

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Currently:
Cars are tested and estimated for 70-75 degree, clear weather at 60 mph on the freeway with a "mix" of light city driving. But, as we all know, that next to never happens.

Future:
They will test the cars in various weather conditions, including extreme colds and hots, and at higher speeds closer to actual driving conditions.

What this means:
The EPA is currently reporting that:
Cars MPG are actually about 10% lower than what's on the window
SUV's and Trucks's MPG are 15+% lower
Hybrids (yes, even Hybrids) are 30% lower!!! <--- WOW

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So, we look at an example:

Civic: Suppose to be upwards of 40 MPG but really is closer to 36

Toyota Prius: Claims 51 (HWY), but is closer to 36.

I've heard this argument a few months back too. A car manufactored was quoted as saying that the current hybrid Prius and a limited few others are really only averaging 2-3 mpg more than a Civic or Corolla could get. He went on to say that people that buy a hybrid should really only do it for the environment and not for saving costs anf fuel.

Just though I'd share.