I can just see EPA offering as many as nine mileage numbers starting in the 2008 model year.
It would probably go like this:
1. Urban driving (25 mph max with lots of stop and go operations).
2. Suburban driving (45 mph max with occasional stop and go operations).
3. Freeway driving (65 mph max with no stop and go operations).
Each test will be done at 0 °C. to simulate winter driving conditions, 20 °C. to simulate spring and fall conditions, and 35 °C. to simulate summer driving conditions. The winter test will also include extensive operation of the heater, the spring and fall test will include some operation of the heater and air conditioner, and the summer test will include extensive operation of the air conditioner.
These tests would probably be the most realistic fuel efficiency tests done by any government agency in the world if they do it this way.
|