Score contribution per author:
α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
Regulators attest that energy efficiency standards save consumers money. More efficient light bulbs, appliances, and vehicles would cost more up front but reduce energy expenses by enough to compensate. Using data on American drivers and cars, we show this to be true, but only on average. Many drivers could save money in less fuel-efficient cars. In fact, we find little correlation between mileage and fuel economy. A driver’s income, sex, age, and education are far more closely associated with their vehicle’s fuel economy. Rich drivers are not more sensitive to fuel costs, undermining claims that borrowing constraints explain the mismatch.