Summary
President Donald Trump has announced plans to lower fuel-economy standards set by the previous administration. The new target for vehicle efficiency in 2031 would change from about 50 miles per gallon to roughly 34 miles per gallon. This decision follows a survey indicating that most American drivers value fuel economy and support stricter standards.
Key Facts
- President Trump plans to lower the 2031 fuel-economy target for new cars and trucks from about 50 miles per gallon to 34-34.5 miles per gallon.
- The change aims to reduce vehicle costs by an average of $930 by 2031.
- However, this could lead to around 100 billion more gallons of gasoline used by 2050.
- The new standards may result in $185 billion more in fuel spending and increase U.S. transport CO₂ emissions by about 5%.
- A Consumer Reports survey from January 2025 showed 96% of American drivers believe fuel economy is important when buying a vehicle.
- 66% of respondents in the survey think the federal government should continue increasing fuel-economy standards.
- President Trump’s government has canceled fines for automakers not meeting current standards and ended federal tax credits for buying electric vehicles.
- About 75% of new vehicle sales in America are SUVs and pickups, with the Ford F-series being one of the top sellers for years.
