Ford’s YouTube: “Because You Asked...What is MPGe?”

[xcel]

Our friend Sam in the Ford “Content Factory” is busy creating the stuff that makes us smile while we learn something in the process

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Oct. 11, 2012

With PHEV and BEVs appearing on our pages almost on a daily basis, you have undoubtedly seen me post the MPGe ratings. Since plug-ins can operate without gasoline or diesel for much if not all of the time, the EPA had to come up with a way of comparing the energy efficiency against conventional and hybrid vehicles.

Ford’s content factory gave us a simple but easy way to see the difference all the while not placing Ford C-MAX or Fusion in your face… Until the very end anyway

MPGe

Miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPGe or MPGge) is a measure of the average distance traveled per unit of energy consumed. MPGe is used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to compare energy consumption of alternative fuel vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles and other advanced technology vehicles with the fuel economy of conventional internal combustion vehicles expressed as mpgUS.

The MPGe metric was introduced in November 2010 by EPA in the Monroney label of the Nissan LEAF all-electric car and the Chevrolet Volt PHEV. The ratings are based on EPA's formula, in which 33.7 kWh of electricity is equivalent to one gallon of gasoline, and the energy consumption of each vehicle during EPA's five standard drive cycle tests simulating varying driving conditions. All new cars and light-duty trucks sold in the U.S. are required to have this label showing the EPA's estimate of fuel economy of the vehicle.

Beginning with the 2013 model year, all alternative fueled vehicles will be required to use the MPGe including PHEVs, BEVs, FFVs, HFCVs, NGVs, diesel and even gasoline-powered automobiles. While I have not seen the MPGe on the 2013 Monroney's I have driven, it will be a cool addition when it does in finally arrives.

Enjoy the vid from those allowed to do their thing over at Ford’s “Content Factory”.

Thanks Sam!

[Right Lane Cruiser]

That was fun. I use 33.56 kWh/gal as a conversion factor rather than 33.7 as it seems a bit closer to E10 energy content (and also underestimates compared to the EPA ratings).