EV Efficiency Shake-Up: DOE Drops Confusing Fuel Factor in Calculations
Published Date: 2/19/2026
Rule
Summary
The Department of Energy is updating how electric vehicle fuel economy is calculated by removing a confusing fuel content factor. This change affects car makers who report their vehicles’ efficiency and starts on February 19, 2026. It could shake up how electric cars stack up against gas cars, and the DOE wants your thoughts by March 23, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Fuel Content Factor Removed; New PEF Numbers
The Department of Energy removed the fuel content factor (FCF) from the petroleum-equivalent fuel economy (PEF) calculation effective February 19, 2026. DOE amends 10 CFR 474.3 to replace PEF values of 82,049 and 73,844 Watt-hours per gallon with new values of 12,307 Wh/gal (EVs without petroleum-powered accessories) and 11,706 Wh/gal (EVs with petroleum-powered accessories).
PEF Change Affects Vehicle Affordability
DOE states that removing the unlawful FCF from the PEF calculation will result in more affordable vehicles for American consumers. The interim final rule is effective February 19, 2026, and sets PEF at 12,307 Wh/gal for EVs without petroleum-powered accessories and 11,706 Wh/gal for EVs with such accessories.
No Significant Small-Entity Economic Impact
DOE certified that this interim final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and therefore did not prepare an initial regulatory flexibility analysis. DOE notes the PEF is an input used by other agencies and the rule does not directly regulate small entities.
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