Hybrids Top 2007 Fuel Economy Guide

Hybrid vehicles occupy the first four positions on the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) top ten list of fuel economy leaders, part of the recently released 2007 Fuel Economy Guide. In total, six hybrids appeared on the annual list, which ranks vehicles based on city and highway miles per gallon (mpg) achievements. The guide also provides estimates of each vehicle's annual fuel costs, assuming 15,000 miles of travel per year (55% city driving, 45% highway driving) and fuel costs of $2.65/gallon for regular unleaded gasoline and $2.85/gallon for premium.

The six hybrids on the 2007 top ten fuel economy leaders list are:

The DOE's and EPA's Fuel Economy Guide is an annual publication. Credit: www.fueleconomy.gov

The EPA's mpg estimates are based on laboratory testing. The estimates then are adjusted downward (10% for city estimates, 22% for highway) to better reflect real-world driving conditions for the average motorist.

“By fueling consumers with better information, EPA is helping American motorists conserve their money while preserving our environment," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Steering our nation away from foreign oil dependency, President Bush is investing in energy innovations and bringing breakthroughs in fuel efficiency from the labs to the streets."