New vehicles could reach 62 mpg by '25

The fleet of new cars and trucks sold in the United States in 2025 may be required to average 62 miles per gallon (26 kilometers per liter), far surpassing the fuel efficiency of current high-mileage stars like the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic hybrids.

The government on Friday was presenting potential ranges of fuel efficiency standards for new cars and trucks being built later this decade.

The Transportation Department and Environmental Protection Agency planned to say the fleet of new vehicles may need to meet a standard set somewhere from 47 mpg (20 kpl) to 62 mpg (26 kpl), people familiar with the discussions said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak before the official announcement. They said the mileage gains were the equivalent of an annual decrease in carbon dioxide emissions per mile of 3 percent to 6 percent.

The new standards, while several years away, are closely watched by automakers who plan vehicle lineups years in advance and environmental groups trying to curb oil dependence and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. President Barack Obama has pushed for tougher fuel efficiency standards and the rules could take on added significance if Congress is unable to pass energy legislation capping greenhouse gases blamed for global warming.

After little progress during the past three decades, rules adopted earlier this year will lift the new vehicle fleet average to 35.5 mpg (15 kpl) by 2016, an increase of more than 40 percent over current standards. The administration is beginning work on mileage standards for the 2017-2025 model years. The government intends to issue a proposal in September 2011 and a final rule by late July 2012.

Environmentalists have sought requirements of at least 60 miles per gallon (25 kilometers per liter) by 2025, arguing that more gas-electric hybrids, electric vehicles and cars and trucks with improved internal combustion engines and reduced weight could dramatically alter the fleet.

Automakers have cautioned that pushing gas mileage standards up that quickly could force them to raise prices beyond the reach for many consumers.