Fuel economy labels now required for autos

MOTOR vehicles should be sold with fuel economy labels beginning this quarter to help buyers make more informed decisions, the Energy Department said on Wednesday.

The directive, which is mandated under Republic Act 11285, or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation law signed in 2019, applies to manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers and rebuilders of all public and private road transport vehicles.

Section 17 of the law states that vehicle manufacturers, importers and dealers “shall provide technical information on the fuel economy rating of the engine that will allow the consumers to make an informed decision in choosing the vehicles for their use.”

The Vehicle Fuel Economy Labeling Program (VFELP) was subsequently established in 2023 by the Energy Department following public consultations.

All covered companies, including their head offices and all branches, should be registered under the VFELP. The registration will be valid for three years.

Registration is also mandatory for every model offered, which will be valid for six years.

The Energy Department said the fuel economy labels will also help streamline vehicle registration and help track fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions calculations.

A dual labeling system comprised of a fuel economy label (FEL) and fuel economy sticker (FES) will be implemented.

The FEL, which is removable, will display essential fuel economy data, while the FES, which should be fixed, will include a QR code that will link to detailed vehicle information and fuel economy performance ratings.

“With VFELP, we’re putting the power of informed choice into the hands of Filipino consumers,” Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick Aquino said.

“Knowing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is not just about saving money; it’s about building a sustainable future. Every drop of fuel or kilowatt saved, every gram of greenhouse gas emission reduced, will make a real difference in the fight against climate change.”