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NHTSA final CAFE rule sets standards without counting EV fuel economy

NHTSA's final SAFE Vehicles Rule III, published September 30, 2026 and effective November 30, 2026, sets CAFE standards for model years 2022 through 2031 that it says are based solely on gasoline- and diesel-powered light-duty vehicles, including non-plug-in hybrids, with EV fuel economy and PHEV electric operation not considered. NHTSA estimates the average of manufacturers' requirements at about 34.9 mpg by MY 2031 against about 49.3 mpg under the 2024 standards; inter-manufacturer credit trading ends beginning with credits earned in MY 2028; crossover reclassification starts in MY 2030.