Rate Your Car

Photo Source: PatrickSmithPhotography

The state of California is again establishing itself as a leader in the environmental movement.  The home of the City of Angels, and cars, has enacted a rating system for automobiles. Beginning this year all automotives sold in the state will come equipped with an Environmental Performance label that rates the car on smog and global warming emissions. 

The rating system is quite simple.  Two scores from 1-10 are provided on the EP label, a Smog Score and a Global Warming Score – each having unique environmental impacts. The higher the number, the less impact the vehicle has on the environment.   For example, Hummers would carry a rating of 1 and hybrids would be rated closer to 10.  The hope is that having this information listed on the automotives will help consumers become better informed about the environmental impact of their choices.

California’s website, www.driveclean.ca.gov, has the rating system posted for anyone’s use.   So how does your car compare?  Just input your vehicle’s make and model to find its EP ratings.