Under a proposal from the EPA and Transportation Department, cars could get environmental grades visible to consumers on showroom floors starting in 2012. The grades will account for the vehicles' overall fuel economy as well as its level of greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the plan, the average vehicle would receive a B-. On the high-scoring end would be electric vehicles (A+) and modern gas/electric hybrids an (A-). A Ford F-150 truck would get a C and a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti a D.
Some automakers don't support the plan as they feel it places a value judgement on an automobile that could create an unfair representation. Environmentalists and consumers alike seem to think that it will make buying an environmentally friendly automobile easier for the lay person, and allow them to better compare one car to another. The final plan will be released in early 2011.
– Mitchell Flexo
(via MSNBC)
Photo: The electric-powered 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport. (Wired)