DOE fuel economy updates: 2009 Prius mpg, diesel tax credits

A few updates from the U.S. federal government regarding cleaner vehicles. First, we have the official DOE fuel economy numbers for the 2009 Prius: 48 mpg in the city, 45 on the highway for a combined rating of 46 mpg. If that looks familiar, it's because it's the same as the 2008 Prius (and the 2007 and 2006 ...) But here's something that's new (maybe): has the FuelEconomy site always had the "switch units" option? I hadn't noticed it before but it caught my eye today because of the whole gallons per mile debate we had earlier this summer. Anyway, this option is easy to see on the DOE site - which remembers your setting - and we can clearly see that the 2009 Prius uses 2.2 gallons to go 100 miles.

Now, about the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit, which the Jetta TDI qualified for earlier this year. As Mercedes-Benz hoped, the company's three new BLUETEC SUVs do qualify for the credit, which is good on diesel vehicles "purchased or placed into service after December 31, 2005." The DOE includes this helpful note: "No eligible vehicles were manufactured for sale until 2008." The exact credit values are pasted after the jump. Thanks to Shaun for the tip.

[Source: DOE]

U.S. Tax credits:

• 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 320 BlueTEC $1,800
• 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 320 BlueTEC $900
• 2009 Mercedes-Benz R 320 BlueTEC $1,550
• 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sedan $1,300
• 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI SportWagon $1,300

See what I mean about all the Priuses being rated the same...