Buying a new car in the United States could become cheaper in the coming years — that’s the promise from the Donald Trump administration. The White House announced a review of federal vehicle fuel-efficiency standards, a move that affects rules previously used to promote electric vehicle (EV) production.
According to the administration, this change could lower new car prices by about $1,000 and save consumers around $109 billion over five years.
🔍 What’s Changing?
🛠️ Policy Shift
The initiative — called “Freedom Means Affordable Cars” — modifies the CAFE program (Corporate Average Fuel Economy), which sets average fuel-efficiency targets for automakers.
Officials say the previous standards:
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CLICK HERE- Went beyond what Congress authorized.
- Acted as an indirect incentive for electric vehicles.
- Increased costs for both manufacturers and buyers.
🔄 Rule Revisions at a Glance
| Item | Old Rule | New Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel efficiency targets | Higher, aggressive increases | Lower, gradual increases |
| EV credit system | Used to help automakers comply | Eliminated starting 2028 |
| Consumer price impact | Higher vehicle prices | –$1,000 per new car |
| Consumer savings (5 yrs) | N/A | $109 billion |
| Fuel economy by 2031 | Higher prior targets | 34.5 mpg (~14.7 km/L) |
📌 Conversions:
- $1,000 ≈ R$5,400
- $109 billion ≈ R$588 billion
(Using the same rate implied in the original article.)
⚙️ Details on Key Changes
🚫 Ending EV Credit System
One major change is the end of the fuel-efficiency credit system starting with the 2028 model year.
- The government claims this system artificially supported EV production.
- It argues the system distorted pricing and market incentives.
- The credit trading mechanisms used until now will no longer be considered.
📊 Projected Savings & Price Effects
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- $109 billion in cumulative savings over five years for U.S. drivers.
- $1,000 average reduction in new car prices.
- Lower prices may encourage drivers to replace older vehicles sooner.
📈 Efficiency Standard Changes (2026–2031)
| Vehicle Type | Through 2026 | 2027 | 2029–2031 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars | +0.5 % | +0.35 % | +0.25 % |
| Light Trucks | +0.5 % | +0.7 % | +0.25 % |
By 2031, the national fleet is expected to reach 34.5 miles per gallon (≈14.7 km/L).
🚗 Road Safety Argument
The government also ties lower prices to improved road safety:
- Newer vehicles often have advanced safety tech.
- The NHTSA estimates:
- 1,500+ lives saved by 2050
- ~250,000 serious injuries avoided
NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison says making cars more affordable is an indirect way to make roads safer.
📣 Next Steps & Public Input
- The proposal will appear in the Federal Register.
- A 45-day public comment period begins upon publication.
- A public hearing will be scheduled (date TBD).
- The final rule will reflect comments and feedback received.
📌 In Context
The administration says this is one of the biggest deregulation actions in the U.S. auto sector during Trump’s current presidency, aimed at making vehicles more affordable and less regulatory-driven.
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