EPA Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars are one of the auto industry�s contributions to cleaner transport, a major source of global warming gases. In order to measure their fuel efficiency, hybrid cars, like all other vehicles, are assessed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA hybrid cars reveal to the consumer how much fuel is saved in relation to mileage covered, which models emit the least amount of carbon monoxide etc, in short, how hybrid cars fare in terms of their impact on the environment.

EPA hybrid car ratings are calculated using a dynamometer. The results are then displayed on labels that are attached to the vehicles to show what fuel economy estimates there are per model.

Since 2008 EPA hybrid car figures are about 20 percent lower than the previous year as the organization introduced testing procedures designed to emulate more realist driving conditions, including high-speed driving, use of air conditioning, and cold weather. The move was a response to criticism that EPA hybrid cars mpg figures had been overestimated in the past, in fact not being consistent with reality. Still, despite inaccuracies in PEA�s methodology and the recent downshift adjustments, hybrid gas-electric vehicles are expected to remain leaders in fuel efficiency.

Some EPA hybrid cars that have appeared at the top of the mpg lists include the Toyota Prius, with a combined highway/city mileage of 46 and the Civic Hybrid with a combined mpg of 42. Other high-performing hybrids include the Nissan Altima Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and two-wheel-drive Ford Escape Hybrid.