# DOT Finalizes Fuel Economy Standards Reset

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) finalized the "Freedom Means Affordable Cars" initiative, resetting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for model years 2022 through 2031. This rule eliminates the previous indirect electric vehicle mandate, ends credit trading, revises vehicle classifications, and aims to reduce vehicle costs while promoting consumer choice. The changes will directly impact automakers' compliance strategies, production planning, and supply chain decisions over the next decade.

- Procurement professionals should note that revised CAFE standards may alter demand forecasts for vehicle types and technologies, affecting contract requirements and vendor selection.
- Automakers and suppliers must adjust compliance approaches, potentially shifting focus away from electric vehicle production mandates toward more flexible fuel economy targets.
- This rule signals a regulatory environment prioritizing affordability and consumer choice, which may influence future procurement solicitations and contract terms related to vehicle fleets and transportation services.
- Organizations involved in automotive manufacturing, parts supply, and fleet management should evaluate how these standards affect long-term procurement strategies and investment decisions.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 28, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

### Key Quotes
> Thanks to President Trumps leadership, we have finally ended the illegal mandate that forced automakers to produce more expensive electric vehicles that American families didn
9t want.
> — Sean P. Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary

> This rule restores integrity to the national fuel economy program, balancing vehicle affordability and energy conservation goals while improving safety on our roadways.
> — Jonathan Morrison, NHTSA Administrator

### Sources
- [President Trump & Transportation Secretary Duffy Finalize “Freedom Means Affordable Cars” Initiative to Reset Fuel Economy Standards, End Illegal EV Mandate | US Department of Transportation](https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/president-trump-transportation-secretary-duffy-finalize-freedom-means-affordable-cars) - DOT