NHTSA finalizes lower fuel economy standards
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has finalized new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rules for model years 2022 to 2031. The fleet target now reaches 34.9 mpg by 2031, far below the roughly 50 mpg path set by the previous administration. NHTSA expects most automakers to beat the standard anyway, with fleets averaging about 40 mpg by 2031.
What it means for owners: less regulatory pressure to sell electric and very efficient cars. Fuel economy will now depend more on what buyers choose and on fuel prices than on federal targets.
GM says hybrids are coming back
On its third quarter earnings call on October 20, GM CEO Mary Barra said the company plans to offer hybrids in the key segments where it competes, citing rising fuel prices and growing demand. GM has not named models or dates. Toyota, Honda and Hyundai have been growing hybrid sales while GM focused on gasoline and fully electric cars.
What it means for owners: more hybrid choice from US brands in a year or two. With regular gas at about $4.28 a gallon, hybrids that cut fuel use by a third or more pay back faster. See this week’s fuel prices.
Volkswagen’s electric Jetta: 285 miles for under $12,000, in China
Volkswagen and its Chinese partner FAW are selling the Jetta M6 electric sedan in China for less than $12,000, with about 285 miles of range on the Chinese test cycle. It is not offered in the US or Europe, and Chinese range ratings run higher than US EPA figures.
What it means for owners: it shows how fast EV prices are falling in China. Whether similar prices reach other markets depends on tariffs and local production.
