CAFE
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Driving
| Stands for | Corporate Average Fuel Economy |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
CAFE stands for Corporate Average Fuel Economy, a driving abbreviation.
US federal standards requiring each automaker's fleet of new cars and light trucks to meet an average fuel economy target, set by NHTSA. CAFE rules have shaped vehicle design since 1978.
Example: Selling more hybrids helps the automaker meet its CAFE target for the year.
Usage notes
Created by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 after the Arab oil embargo. Separate, looser standards for light trucks helped drive the boom in SUVs and pickups. In 2025 Congress eliminated the civil penalties for failing to meet the standards. Pronounced like the word "cafe."
Related abbreviations
More driving abbreviations
- AADT – Annual average daily traffic
- ATV – All-terrain vehicle
- BI – Bodily injury liability
- BMV – Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- CDL – Commercial driver's license
- CLP – Commercial learner's permit
- CMV – Commercial motor vehicle
- CR – County Road
- CSA – Compliance, Safety, Accountability
- DDS – Department of Driver Services
- DL – Driver's license
- DMV – Department of Motor Vehicles