NHTSA redefines 'truck' for 2030 model year, lowering fuel-economy standards

The short version

• NHTSA published a rule changing the definition of a 'truck' starting with the 2030 model year.[Car and Driver]
• The rule is part of SAFE Vehicles Rule III, which lowers the U.S. fleet average fuel-economy standard from about 50.4 mpg under the Biden administration to 34.9 mpg.[Car and Driver]
• NHTSA says most vehicles that technically qualify as light trucks cannot realistically operate off-highway or move cargo, and it expects the fleet mix to flip to 70 percent cars.[Car and Driver]
• Tom Stricker of Van Ness Feldman told Automotive News that moving part of the supply chain offshore to win reclassification would not change net fuel impact.[Car and Driver]

Key facts

• NHTSA published a rule changing the definition of a truck starting with the 2030 model year.[Car and Driver]
• The rule is part of SAFE Vehicles Rule III, published in the Federal Register in late September and effective November 30.[Car and Driver]
• The rule lowers the U.S. fleet average fuel-economy standard from about 50.4 mpg under the Biden administration to 34.9 mpg.[Car and Driver]
• NHTSA expects the current fleet mix of 70 percent light trucks and 30 percent passenger cars to be classified as 70 percent cars and 30 percent trucks under the new rules.[Car and Driver]
• NHTSA states that 68 percent of the light-duty fleet technically meets the regulatory definition of a light truck, but most of those vehicles cannot realistically operate off-highway or move cargo.[Car and Driver]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• NHTSA’s Changing the Definition of a ‘Truck,’ Possibly Encouraging More Overseas ProductionCar and Driver