gas mileage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ 

 My Mercedes van averages about 25 mpg at 75 mph and 28 mpg at 60 mph - it has a european version TDI diesel  - the smaller cars do much better here in Turkey.

 

Why so much lower in the US? Pollution equipment restrictions only?

 

 

Most likely more requirements- safety reinforcements, air bags, more heavy supports, materials, and so on; or so many pollution requirements that it chokes down the engine, more fuel additives, weight with compressors/catalytic converters, etc.

Are you aware of the ECO Co. (China) EMC3?  Apparently it is on sale in US now, or soon. 60 mpg.

http://www.ecomotorcompany.com/default_home.htm 

Its a diesel... in the US.  That's why.

Cars imported to or produced in the USA typically have what is called the "50 State Emissions Package" - which means that the car meets or exceeds the emission requirements of any State.  Since California is the strictest, many States simply follow California's provisions to simplify regulations.  This way car manufacturers can sell any of their cars in any of the 50 States without concern for modifications.  California's emissions standards are very tough on diesels due to particulate emissions - the newest diesels I think are OK, but have extra/modified equipment compared to European versions.  This can reduce gas mileage significantly.

Note: In the past, cars had different levels of emissions equipment - depending on the State they were intended to be sold in - and was a big problem as you could not register a car in a State unless it at least met the State's minimum emissions requirements - this was frankly a bit of an expensive nightmare if you moved from (for example) Nevada to California, thus the current practice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalSolar 

 

Cars imported to or produced in the USA typically have what is called the "50 State Emissions Package" - which means that the car meets or exceeds the emission requirements of any State.  Since California is the strictest, many States simply follow California's provisions to simplify regulations.  

I don't mean to steal this thread for 1 car, sorry if I seem to be!  I think the EMC3 was planned and built in Washington, only being built in mass production for less money in China.  That vehicle is going to sell in California (Rancho Mirage; I think).