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The Fuel Economy
Label Explained

The Fuel Economy Label illustrates to car buyers - at the point of sale - the running costs and fuel efficiency of new cars. Car showrooms are able to provide up to date environmental information using data from the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) database. Consumers are now able to make environmental decisions about their new purchases. The label clearly shows that choosing a car with lower CO2 emissions means lower running costs and lower tax.

Read about the fuel economy label background.
View larger version of label

Seven VED bands

The coloured arrows (A-G) indicate the seven ranges of emissions by g/km that corresponds to levels of annual Vehicle Excise Duty (VED or Road Tax). Low carbon-emitting cars pay less tax. The lowest - Band A - pay no tax.


Make, model and engine details

The vehicle make, model, fuel type, engine capacity and transmission type are all listed. Together they determine the CO2 emissions and running costs.

CO2 emissions figure

The black arrow points to the vehicle's relevant band of CO2 emissions on which Vehicle Excise Duty (VED or Road Tax) is based.


Running Costs

Average yearly fuel costs are calculated and displayed together with the relevant level of Road Tax. Figures updated with recent prices.


Fuel consumption

Shows how efficient the car is in miles per gallon and litres per 100km in town, country and combined driving situations.

About 20% of carbon emissions
in the UK are from road transport