EPA Mandates Real-World Testing For All Automakers

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

In light of re-estimated mileage per gallon claims by Ford, Hyundai and Kia, the Environmental Protection Agency seeks to prove the claims of all automakers through real-world testings.

Automotive News reports a proposal by the agency would mandate automakers to road-test their vehicles in order to verify that the mpg claimed in the lab is achievable on the street. The proposal would also make manipulation of lab results to deliver higher figures difficult at best.

Though a number of automakers already use real-world testing, the EPA is establishing “a regulatory requirement for all automakers,” according to agency director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Chris Grundler.

The test itself would become more rigorous, emphasizing air resistance and rolling friction at the test track over computer modelling.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • TW5 TW5 on Jul 15, 2014

    Good move by the EPA. They were undermining their own credibility by busting auto manufacturers for acing their testing procedures. Changing the test is the appropriate course of action. However, an independent third party could test more flexibly and reliably. I wonder why the EPA doesn't fund several entities to do this work for them, and to compete to pioneer the best real world cycle.

    • Scoutdude Scoutdude on Jul 15, 2014

      I agree that they do need to make some more changes to the test since currently the hwy portion does not reflect current hwy speed limits but I don't think "real world" testing is the answer since there are too many variables that can't be controlled as easily as they can on the dyno. The problem is that CAFE is tied to the raw numbers generated by current testing system so they really can't change the test without revisiting CAFE standards. Lowering the current CAFE numbers isn't something they will be willing to do as it makes them look weak. So as the article said, unlike the click bait headline, this a proposal and the likelihood of it being enacted is slim to none.

  • 05lgt 05lgt on Jul 15, 2014

    Who gets the contract to build the giant indoor test track so they won't test with a tail wind?

  • Makuribu Makuribu on Jul 15, 2014

    What took them so long? How hard could it be to rent a big oval track, get a bunch of cars, stick 1 or 2 gallons of gasoline in them and run them around the track with the cruise control on at 55mph until they stop? Instrumentation and data acquisition is dirt cheap these days. You could measure everything the car's computer already does plus several hundred other sensors inside and out. Yes, your mileage may vary, especially if you commute in bumper to bumper traffic or cruise at 85mph, but it's more realistic than running the car on rollers in a wind tunnel.

  • 28-Cars-Later 28-Cars-Later on Jul 15, 2014

    Can we get real world regulations too?

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