Hi Lars-ss:

___The Bag test is the only true way to measure an automobiles FE after either the FTP75 city or HWFET highway federal tests. There is just no way possible to get an exacting measurement of gallons consumed from a beaker to fill any particular automobiles tank up and then measure what is consumed afterwards.

___In regards to the differences after the test is performed, it measures exactly what it is supposed to (how many gallons consumed via the CO2 calculation over a given test cycle) and there is no advantage or disadvantage for a hybrid vs. a non-hybrid. If you were to run your HCH when it was brand new through the exact same acceleration/deceleration, max/min speed, exacting stop and go, temperature controlled, Hot start or Cold start depending on which test is being performed, exact door rated tire pressures, and exact break in oil’s for the particular FE test cycle on a treadmill and the % reduction applied afterwards, it would come darn near what Honda tested it to be and what the EPA would if they have in fact tested that particular years HCH as equipped w/ a stick or CVT. The manufacturers are the ones that give the EPA the actual FE data and if there was a question, the EPA could run the test themselves to verify. They (the EPA) does not verify each and every vehicle but runs enough of them through their own lab(s?) to make sure the manufacturers are being honest about performing the exacting Federal test(s) as written to the letter before posting FE ratings on the Mulroney stickers as the automobiles hit the lot. If you want to dig deep into this monstrosity, take a look at the CFR 600’s on the FTP75. It is a monster to verify all the qualifications are exact before you even think about placing a new car on a treadmill let alone run the test and measure the bag’s contents afterwards.

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net