All About Japan Autos

By 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) will impose new fuel-efficiency regulations for medium and heavy duty vehicles. These regulations will apply to vehicles manufactured from 2014-2018.

“The proposed rules would create a strong and comprehensive heavy-duty national program (the “HD National Program”), designed to address the urgent and closely intertwined challenges of dependence on oil, energy security, and global climate change,” the EPA states in a press release.

The Boston Globe explains that “the proposal is expected to seek reductions of 10 to 20 percent in fuel consumption and emissions, depending on vehicle size. Large tractor-trailers tend to be driven up to 150,000 miles a year, making them candidates for improved mileage. The rules would cover big-rig tractor-trailers, ’vocational trucks’ such as garbage trucks and transit and school buses, and work trucks such as heavy-duty versions of the Ford F-Series, Dodge Ram, and Chevrolet Silverado.”

According to The New York Times, “The standards draw from a study issued this year by the National Academy of Sciences, which found that existing technology — including low-rolling-resistance tires, improved aerodynamics, more efficient engines, hybrid electric drive systems and idling controls — could cut fuel use in trucks by a third to a half.” The Obama administration’s plans, however, are less ambitious in order to decrease costs.

These changes will affect consumers differently. Inside Line reports that the EPA and DOT expect the prices of heavy-duty trucks to increase by nearly $6,000. On the bright side, the new regulations should save about $74,000 in fuel costs over the truck’s life. Most consumers drive small cars or SUVs, but those who drive trucks like the Ford Super Duty, Dodge Ram and Chevrolet Silverado will be affected by the regulations.

Even if you don’t own a heavy-duty vehicle, the tougher regulations are likely to affect you. The EPA says “the proposed program would enhance American competitiveness and job creation, benefit consumers and businesses by reducing costs for transporting goods, and spur growth in the clean energy sector.” If business owners pay less at the pump, the prices of goods and services may drop. It’s also likely that the new regulations will continue to encourage the government and private businesses to pursue more clean energy technologies for all vehicles, not just heavy-duty ones.

If you’re in the market for a new car, check out the U.S. News rankings of this year’s best cars as well as this month’s best car deals. Also, be sure to check us out on Twitter.