Definition: Laboratory fuel-economy tests administered by the Environmental Protection Agency using simulated weight and drag to re-create real driving conditions. The city fuel-economy test, also used to test emissions compliance, is based on a drive through typical Los Angeles urban traffic of about twenty years ago. Of course, such nostalgic conditions are purely nostalgic these days. The highway test uses a higher, steadier speed, averaging 49.4 mph.

Related Resources:

Understanding Fuel Economy Ratings
The introduction of automotive Emission Controls was a reaction to the rapidly decreasing quality of the air we breathe.

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