Diesel-powered vehicles deliver more real-world miles per gallon than the numbers on new-car window stickers currently indicate, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "YourMPG" database. The findings were detailed in EPA's "Final Technical Supporting Document" accompanying the agency's new fuel economy labeling rule released Tuesday. The "YourMPG" data, compiled by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, includes 221 diesel drivers measuring their own fuel economy and providing their real-world MPG to an Internet database. EPA then compared this real- world data with the projected fuel economy calculations it requires for all new cars. "As can be seen, diesels appear to perform the best with respect to their label fuel economy, outperforming the label by 4.3%," the EPA technical support document said. Diesel was the only power source to see an increase in real-world MPG. Gasoline cars decreased by between 1.4%-1.7%, while hybrid owners saw their real-world mileage drop by over 8% compared to the current fuel economy label. "It's long been known that diesel is the most fuel-efficient internal combustion engine ever produced, typically providing 20-40% greater fuel- efficiency than other technologies," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "These reports from real diesel drivers across the country reaffirm diesel's superior fuel efficiency, and will help consumers make future buying decisions when the next generation of clean diesel vehicles arrives over the next several model years." Automakers have recently announced a number of new diesel product offerings, and consumers can expect to see more diesel options available in showrooms starting in 2008. During this month's Los Angeles Auto Show, DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen teamed together to produce clean diesel vehicles for their Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, VW and Audi brands under the Bluetec label. In addition, BMW, Cummins, Honda, GM and Nissan all announced plans to bring new light-duty clean diesels to the U.S. market starting as early as 2008. To read the EPA technical report, visit http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/420r06017.pdf.
Diesel Drivers Report Superior Real-World Fuel Efficiency
Diesel-powered vehicles deliver more real-world miles per gallon than the numbers on new-car window stickers currently indicate, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "YourMPG" database.
More Small Fleet

Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →How One Fleet Cut Motor Pool Costs by $45K With Smarter Key Control and Automation
Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.
Read More →Artificial Intelligence in Field Service: North America
48% of field service leaders are investing in AI to manage customer communication and self-service. Get the latest on how fleets are using AI and thinking about the future.
Read More →
Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries
There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Read More →
It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America
Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.
Read More →
VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone
A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski
VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.
Read More →
Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!
Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.
Read More →
