The current system being used by the EPA to calculate fuel economy in new vehicles is both outdated and unrealistic.
Outdated: The system needs to be consistently updated, as new technology changes the way vehicles perform in these tests. Also, the tests do not take into account the differences between classic internal-combustion engine cars and new hybrid vehicles. It is currently like trying to compare apples and oranges using the same test.
Unrealistic: The driving conditions simulated in the tests are simply laughable. In today's world, drivers do not accelerate at a 16 second 0-60mph pace. Also, we drive faster than 57mph. The testing needs to be drastically changed.
The issue here is that car manufacturers are meeting the needs of these outdated tests, rather than real life needs.