Labeling Alternative Fueled Vehicles

Introduction
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prepared this booklet to help you comply with a new FTC rule that requires labeling on alternative fueled vehicles. The Labeling Requirements for Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fueled Vehicles Rule was issued in keeping with a directive in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The Rule requires you to provide information to potential purchasers of alternative fueled vehicles to help them compare vehicles.

The Rule has separate requirements for the labeling of alternative fuels and alternative fueled vehicles. This booklet deals only with the requirements for alternative fueled vehicles (Subpart C of the Rule). A companion booklet -- Labeling Fuels -- provides information about the labeling requirements for fuels, including liquid and non-liquid alternative fuels.

Requirements
The Rule requires standardized labels on certain alternative fueled vehicles (AFVs) offered to consumers for sale or lease. For new AFVs, the Rule requires that manufacturers prepare and post labels consisting of three parts. Part one must disclose objective information about the estimated cruising range and environmental impact of the particular AFV. Parts two and three must disclose information about AFVs in general. For used AFVs, the Rule requires that dealers post a label with general information about AFVs -- not specific information about a particular vehicle.

The Rule states that manufacturers must place the labels conspicuously on any visible surface. Vehicle dealers must make sure that the labels stay on the vehicle until it is sold or leased.

Who Must Comply
Manufacturers and dealers of new AFVs, dealers of used AFVs, and certain conversion companies must comply with Subpart C of the Rule.

Definitions

Vehicles
The Rule applies to "covered vehicles." It defines a "covered vehicle" as either a dedicated or dual-fueled passenger car capable of seating a maximum of 12 passengers or a dedicated or dual-fueled motor vehicle (other than a passenger car) with a gross vehicle weight of less than 8,500 pounds, a vehicle curb weight of less than 6,000 pounds, and a basic vehicle rating frontal area of less than 45 square feet, designed primarily to transport property or designed primarily to transport people, with a capacity of more than 12 passengers.

A "dedicated vehicle" operates only on alternative fuel. A "dual-fueled vehicle" can run on alternative fuel and conventional fuel.

Manufacturers and Conversion Companies
The Rule applies to manufacturers. The Rule defines a manufacturer as someone who obtains a "certificate of conformity" -- a document that states that the vehicle complies with the standards and requirements of 40 CFR Parts 86 and 88, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission certification standard. According to the Rule, someone who converts conventional vehicles to alternative fueled vehicles and obtains a certificate of conformity stating that the AFV meets appropriate EPA emission standards also is considered a manufacturer. If someone other than a manufacturer converts the vehicle to an AFV before the vehicle is sold or leased to a consumer, it is the manufacturer's responsibility to provide the installer with the vehicle's estimated cruising range and emission certification standard and to make sure that a new vehicle label is placed on the vehicle.

Transactions
The Rule requires labels for vehicles that are "acquired" by "consumers." The Rule offers a broad definition of "consumer": an individual, corporation, partnership, association, State, municipality, political subdivision of a State, and any agency, department, or instrumentality of the United States.

According to the Rule, the term "acquisition," means obtaining the title to a covered vehicle or signing a long-term lease (that is, a lease for a period of at least 120 days).

New and Used Covered Vehicles and Dealers
The Rule treats new and used covered vehicles and dealers differently. A "new covered vehicle" has not been acquired by a consumer. A "new vehicle dealer" is engaged in the sale or leasing of new covered vehicles.

A "used covered vehicle" includes vehicles that have previously been owned by a consumer, but not vehicles that have been sold for scrap. A "used vehicle dealer" sells or leases used covered vehicles and has sold or leased at least five used covered vehicles in the past 12 months.

Required Labeling Disclosures For New Covered Vehicles

Specific Data Disclosures
Estimated Cruising Range: The Rule defines "estimated cruising range" as the number of miles a new covered vehicle will travel on a supply of fuel. The lower number in the range indicates how far the vehicle can go in city conditions; the higher number indicates how far it can travel on highways. How to estimate the cruising range depends on whether the vehicle is dedicated, electric, or dual-fueled.

For dedicated vehicles that comply with EPA's fuel economy labeling provisions (40 CFR Part 600), calculate the estimated cruising range like this: Multiply the vehicle's estimated city fuel-economy by its fuel tank capacity, then round to the next lower number to determine the lower range value. Multiply the vehicle's estimated highway fuel-economy by its fuel tank capacity, then round to the next higher number to determine the upper range.

For dedicated vehicles not required to comply with EPA's fuel economy labeling provisions, calculate the estimated cruising range in any reasonable way. You must have competent and reliable evidence to substantiate the minimum and maximum number of miles you claim the vehicle will travel between refuelings or recharges.

For electric vehicles, the estimated cruising range is only one number. It is the actual vehicle range determined according to test methods in "Electric Vehicle Energy Consumption and Range Test Procedure," the Society of Automotive Engineers' Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice SAE J1634-1993-05-20.

For dual-fueled vehicles that comply with EPA's fuel economy labeling provisions, you must estimate the cruising range for the vehicle operating solely on alternative fuel and solely on conventional fuel. For a vehicle running on alternative fuel only, determine the lower range value by multiplying the vehicle's estimated city fuel-economy by its alternative fuel tank capacity, then rounding to the next lower number. Determine the upper range value by multiplying its estimated highway fuel-economy by its alternative-fuel tank capacity, then rounding to the next higher number.

For a dual-fueled vehicle operating only on conventional fuel, determine the lower range value by multiplying the vehicle's estimated city fuel-economy by its conventional-fuel tank capacity, then rounding to the next lower number. Determine the upper range value by multiplying its estimated highway fuel-economy by its conventional-fuel tank capacity, then rounding to the next higher number.

For dual-fueled vehicles that are not required to comply with EPA's fuel economy labeling provisions, use any reasonable way to determine the estimated cruising range values. Competent and reliable evidence must support the minimum and maximum number of miles the vehicle will travel between refuelings or recharges when operated only on alternative fuel _ and the minimum and maximum number of miles the vehicle will travel between refuelings or recharges when operated only on conventional fuel.

Environmental Impact: The labels must tell consumers whether the vehicle has met an EPA emission certification standard and, if so, what standard. If a vehicle has been certified, that fact must be noted with a mark in a box on the label; a caret must be inserted above the standard the vehicle has been certified to meet. If a vehicle has not been certified as meeting an EPA emissions standard, that must be noted in a box on the label as well.

Descriptive Disclosures
The second part of the label recommends that consumers consider several factors before buying an AFV:

  1. information relating to fuel type
  2. operating costs
  3. performance/convenience
  4. fuel availability
  5. energy security/renewability.

The labels must explain the importance of each factor in a decision to purchase an AFV.

The third part of the AFV label lists toll-free telephone numbers for consumers who want to call the federal government for more information about AFVs.

Required Labeling Disclosures For Used Covered Vehicles
For the most part, the used covered vehicle label is similar to the second and third parts of the new covered vehicle label. But there are two important differences: The label for used covered vehicles does not include information about the manufacturer's estimated cruising range. General information about the cruising range is in the "performance/convenience" part of the label. (See the heading, "Before selecting an Alternative Fueled Vehicle (AFV) make sure you consider....") In addition, the label includes "environmental impact" as a factor to consider in the purchase, with an explanation of its importance.

Label Size And Format
The Rule requires manufacturers to prepare and post a label on a visible surface of each new covered vehicle before offering it to consumers. The Rule also requires dealers to make sure the labels stay on the vehicles _ new and used _ until they are sold or leased.

Sections 309.20 and 309.21 of the Rule specify the size, type size, color (sky blue), and dimensions of the labels -- and the information that must be included on the label. (You may not add information to the label that is not called for in the Rule.) The Rule also specifies the format of the label for three categories of AFVs: new covered vehicles designed to operate on alternative fuel, new covered vehicles that can operate on alternative fuel and conventional fuel, and used covered vehicles. Your label should look like one of these.

[Illustrations not available at this time]

Recordkeeping
For three years after the end of each model year, you are required to keep copies of all data, reports, records, and procedures you have used to meet the requirements of the Rule. These records must be available for inspection by FTC staff or people authorized by the FTC.

The labels should look like this:

[Illustrations not available at this time]

Questions And Answers

Q: Must I comply with the Rule if I convert a vehicle to an AFV before it is sold or leased to a consumer?
 
A: Yes. Conversions to AFVs before AFVs are sold or leased to consumers are within the scope of AFV labeling requirements.
 
Q: Must I comply with the Rule if I convert a vehicle to an AFV after the vehicle has been sold or leased to a consumer?
 
A: No. The AFV labeling requirements do not apply to aftermarket conversions.
 
Q: Does the Rule cover only sales of vehicles?
 
A: No. The Rule covers long-term leasing arrangements (120 days or more) as well as sales.
 
Q: How is the cruising range calculated for "hybrid" electric vehicles, that is, vehicles powered by more than electricity?
 
A: For hybrid electric AFVs, cruising range values are calculated using the "reasonable basis" test.
 
Q: How must AFV labels be displayed?
 
A: The labels can be displayed on two sheets placed next to each other or in a two-sided format. It's up to the manufacturer.
 
Q: When were the AFV labeling requirements effective?
 
A: The AFV labeling requirements became on effective November 20, 1995.
 
Q. Who should I contact if I suspect non-compliance with the FTC's Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fueled Vehicles Rule?
 
A. Information about possible illegal activity helps law enforcement officials target companies that merit scrutiny. If you know about such illegal activity, please file a complaint with the Division of Enforcement, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580 (202.326.2996).
 

Your Opportunity to Comment
The Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and 10 Regional Fairness Boards collect comments from small business about federal enforcement actions. Each year, the Ombudsman evaluates enforcement activities and rates each agency’s responsiveness to small business. To comment on FTC actions, call 1-888-734-3247.


16 CFR PART 309 -- LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR
ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND ALTERNATIVE FUELED VEHICLES

Subpart A_General

Sec.

309.1 Definitions.
309.2 What this part does.
309.3 Stayed or invalid portions.
309.4 Preemption.

Subpart C -- Requirements for Alternative Fueled Vehicles

309.20 Labeling requirements for new covered vehicles.
309.21 Labeling requirements for used covered vehicles.
309.22 Determining estimated cruising range.
309.23 Recordkeeping.

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 13232(a).

Subpart A -- General

Sec. 309.1 Definitions.

As used in subparts B and C of this part:

(a) Acquisition includes either of the following:
 
(1) Acquiring the beneficial title to a covered vehicle; or
 
(2) Acquiring a covered vehicle for transportation purposes pursuant to a contract or similar arrangement for a period of 120 days or more.
(b) Aftermarket conversion system means any combination of hardware which allows a vehicle or engine to operate on a fuel other than the fuel which the vehicle or engine was originally certified to use.
 
(c) Alternative fuel means
 
(1) Methanol, denatured ethanol, and other alcohols;
 
(2) Mixtures containing 85 percent or more by volume of methanol, denatured ethanol, and/or other alcohols (or such other percentage, but not less than 70 percent, as determined by the Secretary, by rule, to provide for requirements relating to cold start, safety, or vehicle functions), with gasoline or other fuels;
 
(3) Natural gas;
 
(4) Liquefied petroleum gas;
 
(5) Hydrogen;
 
(6) Coal-derived liquid fuels;
 
(7) Fuels (other than alcohol) derived from biological materials;
 
(8) Electricity (including electricity from solar energy); and
 
(9) Any other fuel the Secretary determines, by rule, is substantially not petroleum and would yield substantial energy security benefits and substantial environmental benefits.
(d)(1) Consumer in subpart C means an individual, corporation, partnership, association, State, municipality, political subdivision of a State, and any agency, department, or instrumentality of the United States.
 
(2) Consumer or ultimate purchaser in subpart B means, with respect to any non-liquid alternative vehicle fuel (including electricity), the first person who purchases such fuel for purposes other than resale.
(e) Conventional fuel means gasoline or diesel fuel.
 
(f) Covered vehicle means either of the following:
 
(1) A dedicated or dual fueled passenger car (or passenger car derivative) capable of seating 12 passengers or less; or
 
(2) A dedicated or dual fueled motor vehicle (other than a passenger car or passenger car derivative) with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 8,500 pounds which has a vehicle curb weight of less than 6,000 pounds and which has a basic vehicle frontal area of less than 45 square feet, which is:
 
(i) Designed primarily for purposes of transportation of property or is a derivation of such a vehicle; or
 
(ii) Designed primarily for transportation of persons and has a capacity of more than 12 persons.
(g) Dedicated means designed to operate solely on alternative fuel.
 
(h) Distributor means any person, except a common carrier, who receives non-liquid alternative vehicle fuel (other than electricity) and distributes such fuel to another person other than the consumer. It also means any person, except a common carrier, who receives an electric vehicle fuel dispensing system and distributes such system to a retailer.
 
(i) Dual fueled means capable of operating on alternative fuel and capable of operating on conventional fuel.
 
(j) Electric charging system equipment means equipment that includes an electric battery charger and is used for dispensing electricity to consumers for the purpose of recharging batteries in an electric vehicle.
 
(k) Electric vehicle ("EV") means a vehicle designed to operate exclusively on electricity stored in a rechargeable battery, multiple batteries, or battery pack.
 
(l) Electric vehicle fuel dispensing system means electric charging system equipment or an electrical energy dispensing system.
 
(m) Electrical energy dispensing system means equipment that does not include an electric charger and is used for dispensing electricity to consumers for the purpose of recharging batteries in an electric vehicle that contains an on-board electric battery charger.
 
(n) Emission certification standard means the emission standard to which a covered vehicle has been certified pursuant to 40 CFR parts 86 and 88.
 
(o) Estimated cruising range for non-EVs means a manufacturer's reasonable estimate of the number of miles a new covered vehicle will travel between refueling, expressed as a lower estimate (i.e., minimum estimated cruising range) and an upper estimate (i.e., maximum estimated cruising range), as determined by Sec. 309.22. Estimated cruising range for EVs means a manufacturer's reasonable estimate of the number of miles a new covered EV will travel between recharging, expressed as a single estimate, as determined by Sec. 309.22.
 
(p) Fuel dispenser means:
 
(1) For non-liquid alternative vehicle fuels (other than electricity), the dispenser through which a retailer sells the fuel to consumers.
 
(2) For electric vehicle fuel dispensing systems, the dispenser through which a retailer dispenses electricity to consumers for the purpose of recharging batteries in an electric vehicle.
 
(q) Fuel rating means:
 
(1) For non-liquid alternative vehicle fuels (other than electricity), including, but not limited to, compressed natural gas and hydrogen gas, the commonly used name of the fuel with a disclosure of the amount, expressed as a minimum molecular percentage, of the principal component of the fuel. A disclosure of other components, expressed as a minimum molecular percentage, may be included, if desired.
 
(2) For electric vehicle fuel dispensing systems, a common identifier (such as, but not limited to, "electricity," "electric charging system," "electric charging station") with a disclosure of the system's kilowatt ("kW") capacity, voltage, whether the voltage is alternating current ("ac") or direct current ("dc"), amperage, and whether the system is conductive or inductive.
 
(r) Manufacturer means the person who obtains a certificate of conformity that the vehicle complies with the standards and requirements of 40 CFR parts 86 and 88.
 
(s) Manufacturer of an electric vehicle fuel dispensing system means any person who manufactures or assembles an electric vehicle fuel dispensing system that is distributed specifically for use by retailers in dispensing electricity to consumers for the purpose of recharging batteries in an electric vehicle.
 
(t) New covered vehicle means a covered vehicle which has not been acquired by a consumer.
 
(u) New vehicle dealer means a person who is engaged in the sale or leasing of new covered vehicles.
 
(v) New vehicle label means a window sticker containing the information required by Sec. 309.20(e).
 
(w) Non-liquid alternative fueled vehicle means a vehicle capable of operating on a non-liquid alternative vehicle fuel.
 
(x) Non-liquid alternative vehicle fuel means alternative fuel used for the purpose of powering a non-liquid alternative fueled vehicle, including, but not limited to, compressed natural gas ("CNG"), hydrogen gas ("hydrogen"), electricity, and any other non-liquid vehicle fuel the Secretary determines, by rule, is substantially not petroleum and would yield substantial energy benefits and substantial environmental benefits.
 
(y) Person means an individual, partnership, corporation, or any other business organization.
 
(z) Producer means any person who purchases component elements and combines them to produce and market non-liquid alternative vehicle fuel (other than electricity).
 
(aa) Refiner means any person engaged in the production or importation of non-liquid alternative vehicle fuel (other than electricity).
 
(bb) Retailer means any person who offers for sale, sells, or distributes non-liquid alternative vehicle fuel (including electricity) to consumers.
 
(cc) Secretary means the Secretary of the United States Department of Energy.
 
(dd) Used covered vehicle means a covered vehicle which has been acquired by a consumer, but does not include any vehicle sold only for scrap or parts (title documents surrendered to the State and a salvage certificate issued).
 
(ee) Used vehicle dealer means a person engaged in the sale or leasing of used covered vehicles who has sold or leased five or more used covered vehicles in the previous twelve months, but does not include a bank or financial institution, a business selling or leasing used covered vehicles to an employee of that business, or a lessor selling or leasing a leased vehicle by or to that vehicle's lessee or to an employee of the lessee.
 
(ff) Used vehicle label means a window sticker containing the information required by Sec. 309.21(e).
 
(gg) Vehicle fuel tank capacity means the tank's usable capacity (i.e., the volume of fuel that can be pumped into the tank through the filler pipe with the vehicle on a level surface and with the unusable capacity already in the tank). The term does not include unusable capacity (i.e., the volume of fuel left at the bottom of the tank when the vehicle's fuel pump can no longer draw fuel from the tank), the vapor volume of the tank (i.e., the space above the fuel tank filler neck), or the volume of the fuel tank filler neck.
 

Sec. 309.2 What this part does.

This part establishes labeling requirements for non-liquid alternative vehicle fuels, and for certain vehicles powered in whole or in part by alternative fuels.

Sec. 309.3 Stayed or invalid portions.

If any portion of this part is stayed or held invalid, the rest of it will stay in force.

Sec. 309.4 Preemption.

Inconsistent state and local regulations are preempted to the extent they would frustrate the purposes of this part.

Subpart C_Requirements for Alternative Fueled Vehicles

Sec. 309.20 Labeling requirements for new covered vehicles.

(a) Affixing and maintaining labels
(1) Before offering a new covered vehicle for acquisition to consumers, manufacturers shall affix or cause to be affixed, and new vehicle dealers shall maintain or cause to be maintained, a new vehicle label on a visible surface of each such vehicle.
 
(2) If an aftermarket conversion system is installed on a vehicle by a person other than the manufacturer prior to such vehicle's being acquired by a consumer, the manufacturer shall provide that person with the vehicle's estimated cruising range (as determined by Sec. 309.22(a) for dedicated vehicles and Sec. 309.22(b) for dual fueled vehicles) and emission certification standard and ensure that new vehicle labels are affixed to such vehicles as required by paragraph (a) of this section.
(b) Layout. Figures 4 through 6 are prototype labels that demonstrate the proper layout. All positioning, spacing, type size, and line widths shall be similar to and consistent with the prototype labels. Labels required by this section are two-sided and rectangular in shape measuring 7 inches (17.5 cm) wide and 5-1/2 inches (13.75 cm) long. Figure 4 represents the prototype for the front side of the labels for dedicated vehicles. Figures 5 and 5.1 represent the prototype of the front side of the labels for dual-fueled vehicles; Figure 5 represents the prototype for vehicles with one fuel tank and Figure 5.1 represents the prototype for vehicles with two fuel tanks. Figure 6 represents the prototype of the back side of the labels for both dedicated and dual-fueled vehicles. Manufacturers may, at their discretion, display the appropriate front label format and back label format immediately adjacent to each other on the same visible surface. No marks or information other than that specified in this subpart shall appear on this label.
 
(c) Type size and setting. The Helvetica Condensed and Helvetica family typefaces or equivalent shall be used exclusively on the label. Specific type sizes and faces to be used are indicated on the prototype labels (Figures 4, 5, 5.1, and 6). No hyphenation should be used in setting headline or text copy. Positioning and spacing should follow the prototypes closely.
 
(d) Colors and Paper Stock. All labels shall be printed in process black ink on Hammermill Offset Opaque Vellum/S.70 Sky Blue (or equivalent) paper. Follow label prototypes for percentages of screen tints in Exhaust Emissions chart.
 
(e) Content
 
(1) Headlines and text, as illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 5.1, and 6, are standard for all labels.
 
(2) Estimated cruising range.
 
(i) For dedicated vehicles, determined in accordance with Sec. 309.22(a).
 
(ii) For dual fueled vehicles, determined in accordance with Sec. 309.22(b).
(3) Emission certification standard.
 
(i) For vehicles not certified as meeting an EPA emissions standard, indicated by placing a mark in the appropriate box indicating that fact.
 
(ii) For vehicles certified as meeting an EPA emissions standard, indicated by placing a mark in the appropriate box indicating that fact and by placing a caret above the standard to which that vehicle has been certified.

Sec. 309.21 Labeling requirements for used covered vehicles.

(a) Affixing and maintaining labels. Before offering a used covered vehicle for acquisition to consumers, used vehicle dealers shall affix and maintain, or cause to be affixed and maintained, a used vehicle label on a visible surface of each such vehicle.
 
(b) Layout. Figures 7 and 8 are prototype labels that demonstrate the proper layout. All positioning, spacing, type size, and line widths should be similar to and consistent with the prototype labels. Labels required by this section are two-sided and rectangular in shape measuring 7 inches (17.5 cm) in width and 5-1/2 inches (13.75 cm) in height. Figure 7 represents the prototype of the front side of the labels for used covered vehicles. Figure 8 represents the back side of the labels for used covered vehicles. Manufacturers may, at their discretion, display the appropriate front label format and back label format immediately adjacent to each other on the same visible surface. No marks or information other than that specified in this subpart shall appear on this label.
 
(c) Type size and setting. The Helvetica Condensed and Helvetica family typefaces or equivalent shall be used exclusively on the label. Specific type sizes and faces to be used are indicated on the prototype labels (Figures 7 and 8). No hyphenation should be used in setting headline or text copy. Positioning and spacing should follow the prototypes closely.
 
(d) Colors and Paper Stock. All labels shall be printed in process black ink on Hammermill Offset Opaque Vellum/S.70 Sky Blue (or equivalent) paper.
 
(e) Contents. Headlines and text, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, are standard for all labels.

Sec. 309.22 Determining estimated cruising range.

(a) Dedicated vehicles.
 
(1) Estimated cruising range values for dedicated vehicles required to comply with the provisions of 40 CFR Part 600 are to be calculated in accordance with the following:
 
(i) The lower range value shall be determined by multiplying the vehicle's estimated city fuel-economy by its fuel tank capacity, then rounding to the next lower integer value.
 
(ii) The upper range value shall be determined by multiplying the vehicle's estimated highway fuel-economy by its fuel tank capacity, then rounding to the next higher integer value.
(2) Estimated cruising range for an EV is the actual vehicle range determined in accordance with test methods set forth in Society of Automotive Engineers ("SAE") Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice SAE J1634-1993-05-20, "Electric Vehicle Energy Consumption and Range Test Procedure." This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies of SAE J1634-1993-05-20 may be obtained from the Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA, 15096-0001, or may be inspected at the Federal Trade Commission, Public Reference Room, room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
 
(3) To determine the estimated cruising range values for dedicated vehicles not required to comply with the provisions of 40 CFR Part 600 (other than electric vehicles), you must possess a reasonable basis, consisting of competent and reliable evidence that substantiates the minimum and maximum number of miles the vehicle will travel between refuelings or rechargings that is claimed.
 

(b) Dual-fueled vehicles.

(1) Estimated cruising range values for dual-fueled vehicles required to comply with the provisions of 40 CFR Part 600 are to be calculated in accordance with the following:
 
(i) The lower range value for the vehicle while operating exclusively on alternative fuel shall be determined by multiplying the vehicle's estimated city fuel-economy by its alternative-fuel tank capacity, then rounding to the next lower integer value.
 
(ii) The upper range value for the vehicle while operating exclusively on alternative fuel shall be determined by multiplying the vehicle's estimated highway fuel-economy by its alternative-fuel tank capacity, then rounding to the next higher integer value.
 
(iii) The lower range value for the vehicle while operating exclusively on conventional fuel shall be determined by multiplying the vehicle's estimated city fuel-economy by its conventional-fuel tank capacity, then rounding to the next lower integer value.
 
(iv) The upper range value for the vehicle while operating exclusively on conventional fuel shall be determined by multiplying the vehicle's estimated highway fuel-economy by its conventional-fuel tank capacity, then rounding to the next higher integer value.
(2) [Reserved]
 
(3) To determine the estimated cruising range values for dual-fueled vehicles not required to comply with the provisions of 40 CFR part 600 (other than electric vehicles), you must possess a reasonable basis, consisting of competent and reliable evidence, of:
 
(i) The minimum and maximum number of miles the vehicle will travel between refuelings or rechargings when operated exclusively on alternative fuel, and
 
(ii) The minimum and maximum number of miles the vehicle will travel between refuelings or rechargings when operated exclusively on conventional fuel.
 

Sec. 309.23 Recordkeeping.

Manufacturers required to comply this subpart shall establish, maintain, and retain copies of all data, reports, records, and procedures used to meet the requirements of this subpart for three years after the end of the model year to which they relate. They must be available for inspection by Federal Trade Commission staff members, or by people authorized by the Federal Trade Commission.

For more information, contact the Division of Enforcement, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580, or an FTC Regional Office.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
 
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION FOR THE CONSUMER
1-877-FTC-HELP www.ftc.gov