this post was submitted on 15 May 2025
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A big part of it is the lack of sanely sized options, which is driven by a combination of confirmation bias ("the best sellers are all giant SUVs" when the only real options are giant SUVs), low gas prices, and incentives to manufacturers by classifying vehicles as trucks to get around emissions rules. We could undo a lot of it if we taxed and regulated giant SUVs and trucks the same way we do smaller cars, but that hits the profits of big auto and would be politically disadvantageous for anyone to try so they don't.
Also driven primarily by the C.A.F.E. act of 1992-1993. That's why the cars in the 90s started getting bigger, and continued to get bigger. So now, like you said, small options aren't available, or are outright outlawed like kei cars and trucks.
Non-american here, can you give a rundown of what that CAFE act was about?
Corporate Average Fuel Economy, sets emissions limits based on vehicle size. Bigger car = lower standards. So rather than make more efficient engines we just make bigger cars and market the hell out of them until Americans think they need a Canyonero.