Plug-in cars aren't “zero-emissions” under new U.S. rules

The U.S.’ new fuel-efficiency rules for automobiles will undercut the auto industry’s marketing claim that electric cars are “zero-emission” vehicles and instead score against them the carbon dioxide pouring out of electric power plants, according to an administration official. The decision is a setback for the auto industry, which had lobbied to use sales of “zero-emission vehicles” to offset sales of larger vehicles that emit more carbon dioxide under the complex new system of mileage and carbon-dioxide scoring. The more “zeroes” the carmakers could use in averaging their fleet fuel efficiency scores, the better for automakers. Environmental groups lobbied for the change, saying electric vehicles aren’t entirely “clean” unless the power plants are too. (April 1, 2010)