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Source: CAFE Standards 2011-2016: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and NHTSA 2010 Final Rule
CAFE Standards 2017-2020: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and NHTSA 2012 Final Rule
CAFE Standards 2021-2023: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and NHTSA 2020 SAFE Vehicles Final Rule
CAFE Standards 2024-2026: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and NHTSA 2022 Final Rule
CAFE Standards 2027-2031: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and NHTSA 2024 Final Rule

Notes:

Regulatory Targets vs. Real-World: Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards represent estimated, fleet-wide regulatory targets required of automotive manufacturers. These values do not represent expected consumer window-sticker fuel economies, which adjust regulatory test results down to reflect actual driving conditions. NHTSA notes that real-world fuel economy is generally 20%-30% lower than the estimated required CAFE level stated above.

"Estimated Required" Methodology: For Model Years (MY) 2011 and beyond, CAFE standards shifted to a footprint-based curve, meaning the fleet-wide target depends on the specific mix of vehicle sizes sold. To maintain historical accuracy, the data plotted in this chart reflects the "Estimated Required" fleet average projected by NHTSA at the time of each Final Rule's publication, rather than the "Estimated Achieved" forecasting.

Vehicle Definitions: Passenger cars and light-duty trucks are defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 Part 523. Modern footprint classifications use a vehicle's specific size (track width multiplied by wheelbase) to determine its unique CAFE requirement.

Historical Context & Adjustments:
• CAFE standards for light-duty trucks were not introduced until 1982.
• MY 2021–2023: Data reflects the finalized targets of the 2020 SAFE Vehicles Rule, which revised previous requirements and implemented a 1.5% annual increase in stringency.
• MY 2024–2026: Data reflects the finalized targets of the 2022 Rule, which superseded previous rulemaking and increased stringency by 8% annually for MY 2024–2025 and 10% for MY 2026.
• MY 2027–2031: Data reflects the finalized targets of the 2024 Rule. Requirements increase at a rate of 2% per year for passenger cars (MY 2027–2031) and 2% per year for light trucks (MY 2029–2031).

For more information on NHTSA CAFE requirements, visit nhtsa.gov/laws-regulations/corporate-average-fuel-economy.

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Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards were put in place after the 1974 and 1980 oil price shocks. Cheap oil throughout the 1980s and 1990s reduced the pressure for CAFE to be used as a tool to reduce petroleum use. The oil price shock of 2008 renewed interest in CAFE, leading to regular updates through 2031. NHTSA developed the CAFE model to set requirements based on technological feasibility, economic practicability, the effect of other government motor vehicle standards on fuel economy, and the need for energy conservation. It is important to note that the CAFÉ model must be used to determine the requirements for an Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM) vehicle fleet. The CAFE requirements used for this chart are the estimated averages of CAFE levels (in miles per gallon) required under the Final Rule.

To view more details, notes, additional sources and acronyms, please download the Excel spreadsheet.