All new vehicles sold in the United States and Canada must wear a label that indicates their fuel consumption in order to help consumers make an informed decision when shopping for a new car or truck. In Canada, data on emission levels is found in the Canadian Fuel Consumption Guide, while the Americans just have to check the aforementioned label, which also provides comparisons with other vehicles from the same segment.
The upcoming arrival of electric vehicles (EV) adds a new dimension, however. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had to revise the label in order to take this alternative technology into account for comparisons. For example, what's the miles-per-gallon (MPG) equivalent of an electric car with a range of 200 kilometres? What are the annual electricity costs of charging the battery based on driving habits? In the case of a gas-electric hybrid, what are the combined energy costs?
The new label recently found its way onto the Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt. It shows the annual energy costs, charge times, and MPG equivalent rating. On a gas-electric hybrid vehicle, the same information can be found, not to mention fuel consumption (in MPGs) and annual energy costs using this mode only.
But what about Canada? On the federal government's various websites, there are no reports of upcoming changes to the EnerGuide label or the Canadian Fuel Consumption Guide.
Auto123.com therefore contacted Natural Resources Canada (NRC), which only provided a vague answer.
The design of the EnerGuide label and the information on it are still to be determined. NRC is waiting for the results of studies on Canadian vehicles and the proper way to apply these criteria to hybrids and EVs. The designs unveiled by the EPA will also influence the future labels in Canada.
Translation: expect a copy-paste of the EPA approach, obviously using the metric system and L/100 km instead of MPGs. However, the Canadian Fuel Consumption Guide points out that fuel economy ratings in Canada and the U.S. may differ significantly.
Starting with the 2008 model year, the Americans have been using additional test cycles and procedures to evaluate the fuel efficiency of vehicles. TThe posted ratings and averages are based on sales and other US-specific adjustment factors.
While NRC wouldn't confirm anything, it's pretty safe to assume that they won't reinvent the wheel, or so to speak. We will get more information on how EV energy ratings are calculated and compared in the first half of 2011 since the LEAF is scheduled for the spring and the Volt, a couple of months later.
The upcoming arrival of electric vehicles (EV) adds a new dimension, however. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had to revise the label in order to take this alternative technology into account for comparisons. For example, what's the miles-per-gallon (MPG) equivalent of an electric car with a range of 200 kilometres? What are the annual electricity costs of charging the battery based on driving habits? In the case of a gas-electric hybrid, what are the combined energy costs?
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| Nissan LEAF (Photo: Nissan) |
The new label recently found its way onto the Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt. It shows the annual energy costs, charge times, and MPG equivalent rating. On a gas-electric hybrid vehicle, the same information can be found, not to mention fuel consumption (in MPGs) and annual energy costs using this mode only.
But what about Canada? On the federal government's various websites, there are no reports of upcoming changes to the EnerGuide label or the Canadian Fuel Consumption Guide.
Auto123.com therefore contacted Natural Resources Canada (NRC), which only provided a vague answer.
 |
| EnerGuide Label (Photo: Ressources naturelles Canada) |
The design of the EnerGuide label and the information on it are still to be determined. NRC is waiting for the results of studies on Canadian vehicles and the proper way to apply these criteria to hybrids and EVs. The designs unveiled by the EPA will also influence the future labels in Canada.
Translation: expect a copy-paste of the EPA approach, obviously using the metric system and L/100 km instead of MPGs. However, the Canadian Fuel Consumption Guide points out that fuel economy ratings in Canada and the U.S. may differ significantly.
Starting with the 2008 model year, the Americans have been using additional test cycles and procedures to evaluate the fuel efficiency of vehicles. TThe posted ratings and averages are based on sales and other US-specific adjustment factors.
While NRC wouldn't confirm anything, it's pretty safe to assume that they won't reinvent the wheel, or so to speak. We will get more information on how EV energy ratings are calculated and compared in the first half of 2011 since the LEAF is scheduled for the spring and the Volt, a couple of months later.