New Federal Fuel Economy Standards for Heavy Duty Vehicles

For the first time, heavy-duty vehicles will be subject to federal fuel economy standards. The new Heavy-Duty National Program pertains to medium-and heavy-duty vehicles and engines over 8,500 pounds, including semi trucks, pickup trucks, vans, and buses.

Vehicle model years 2014-2018 will be required to achieve 10-20% reduction in fuel consumption, depending on vehicle type, as well as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. After market improvements such as advanced combustion engine systems, fuel-efficient tires, efficient auxiliary power units, and aerodynamic modifications will contribute to fuel economy achievements.

These new heavy-duty standards are part of a multiple phase effort to raise overall fuel economy standards in the transportation sector, and follow recent new requirements for raised fuel economy in passenger cars and light-duty vehicles.