Its not based on the gas only version of the vehicle. Its based on the average mileage of a car or light truck (depending on what you are comparing) of a corresponding weight class in 2002.

That's where the question of the tax credit was even more confusing. You can't go and test the 2002's with the new tests.

 

Sorry, I mis-spoke. That is correct, I was confused by something I had read elsewhere. It is dependent upon the vehicle weight class. I guess we will all have to see how the IRS figures this one out.....

 

I'm guessing that the IRS is comparing the numbers computed from the old test to the 2002 numbers. That's seems to be the only fair way to do it anyhow. Since the IRS announced $3000 for the FWD and $2200 for the AWD, the mileage must have went up. Unless they '08 models actually performed better on the new tests, they had to have used the old numbers plus the 3 mpg increase that Ford has announced.

 

Jason,
Maybe we should create a "2008 FEH" bin for FE (like the old and new Priuis has) for gas mileage comparison. That way we can confirm/deny if real world FE went up with the redesign.

Nate

 

Regarding a 2nd bin for the 2008 Escape Hybrid fuel economy; I do not think it is justified, as it is not as significant a change as the Prius. According to an earlier post, it is not a powertrain update; just a weight reduction, as well as software changes. These changes occur every year; for example, in 2007 the City fuel economy for the AWD version dropped 1 mpg when compared to 05 and 06.

It will be interesting if the labels or EPA note what the City and Highway labels would have been based on the previous testing regimen.

 

I read where Toyota passed the 60,000 mark on the Prius early in 2006 and has been lobbying the US Congress HEAVILY.....for an extension to the tax credit. Perhaps Toyota's efforts, if successful, will lead to all models getting extensions.

 

Regarding an extension of a tax credit, I can't see why other citizens should pay for me to buy something that is a good investment for myself. If it was a question of the environment; than every low emission vehicle, hybrid or not, should be subsidized.

 

For the same reason your mortgage interest is tax deductible. Why should people renting apartments subsidize your home ownership? It is simply an incentive offered for one reason or another. In one case to help people buy a home....in the other to help put more fuel efficient cars on the road. Should we do away with all tax incentives?

 

Yes, all vehicles for '08 will have the prior EPA numbers on them as well, for comparison purposes. The '08 will be where the numbers have always been, then beneath them, the prior EPA standards numbers will be there with the appropriate notation.

 

EPA for 2008 MMH 4WD
I got this from sticker of a 2008 MMH Hybrid 4WD. Loaded at 32,570


[COLOR=#000000][FONT=arialEstimated Annual Fuel Cost:$1,419 CITY MPG
29
HIGHWAY MPG
27 Vehicle Engine Information
2008 MARINER HYBRID 4WD 2.3L I4 ATKINSON CYCLE ENGINE ECVT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition. Results reported to EPA indicate that the majority of vehicles with these estimates will achieve between 24 and 34 mpg in the city and between 22 and 32 mpg on the highway.
For Comparison Shopping all vehicles classified as have been issued mileage ratings from 08 to 31 mpg city and 12 to 19 mpg highway.