Featured Links

Clean Transportation Fact Sheets & Publications
U.S. Dept. of Energy	The Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center
Alternative Fuels Station Locator	Fuel Economy and Vehicle Comparisons

Fuel Fact of the Week

Fact #1127: Since Model Year 2016, Automatic Transmissions Have Provided Better Average Fuel Economy than Manual Transmissions



Historically, manual transmissions delivered better fuel economy than automatic transmissions. However, beginning with model year 2016, improvements in the efficiency of automatic transmissions have reversed that trend. Automatic transmissions have added gears more quickly than their manual counterparts. The increased number of gears, along with other design improvements, have contributed to the improved fuel economy of vehicles fitted with automatic transmissions.

Want to know more?

Past Fuel Facts of the Week.

Question of the Month

How is fuel economy determined and reported for alternative fuel vehicles?

Last month we learned about how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines and reports conventional light-duty vehicle fuel economy ratings. While alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) fuel economy testing is largely similar to that of conventional fuels, the EPA makes some adjustments to account for different vehicle technology and fuel energy content. By tailoring AFV fuel economy testing and reporting, the EPA is able to provide apples-to-apples comparisons and allow consumers to make informed decisions.

Want to know more?