California is suing the Trump administration for revoking its right to set its fuel economy standard. The state struck a deal earlier this year with four automakers to push for stricter measures, even as the administration freezes goals for future fuel economy standards at the current level. How far are we currently from either standard?
The US Department of Energy has compiled data on more than 41,000 passenger car models sold in the United States since 1984. While the information doesn’t account for the number of cars sold, it does show how fuel economy performance has increased over the past few decades. Averages remain below both the 51 miles per gallon that the California deal requires car companies to hit in 2026. It’s also below the 37 miles per gallon that the Trump administration has said it plans to require.
Overall improvement in fuel efficiency since 1984
