Car methodology
US EPA
US vehicle and factor data
Two ways to calculate. With make, model and year, SQUAKE uses the car's tailpipe CO₂ from the US government's fuel economy data. With distance only, it applies a distance-based car factor from the EPA's GHG Emission Factors Hub.
- Publisher
- US EPA, with the US Department of Energy (FuelEconomy.gov)
- Best for
- US vehicles and US corporate inventories
- Result
- One total per car trip
- Energy scope
- TTW
- Factor year
- Selectable; latest supported year by default
How it works
- With vehicle details, SQUAKE matches the car in FuelEconomy.gov data using make, model and year and, where needed, engine and transmission details.
- With distance only, SQUAKE applies a distance-based car factor from the EPA's GHG Emission Factors Hub.
- Both count burning the fuel only.
Trip details used
When a detail is missing, SQUAKE uses the default.
| Detail | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Distance driven | From the route or rental days | Measured kilometres give the best result. |
| Start and end locations | None | Used to calculate the distance. |
| Rental days | None | Fallback only: 60 km per day. |
| Make, model and model year | None | Without them, the EPA distance-based factor is used. |
| Vehicle details | None | Size class, transmission, engine size and cylinders help pick the right variant. |
| Fuel | Regular gasoline |
What is included
Included
- Burning the fuel
Not included
- Producing and delivering the fuel
- Vehicle manufacture
Limitations
- Model-specific values and fleet averages are different bases.
- Based on US vehicle data and averages.
Sources
- FuelEconomy.gov: fuel economy datafueleconomy.gov
Official US fuel economy test results for each car model.
- US EPA: GHG Emission Factors Hubepa.gov
The factor tables, including business travel.