The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule III for Model Years 2022 to 2031 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks

 identified by NHTSA.\138\ Many fuel economy technologies that have existed in vehicles for some time will have a gradual sloping learning curve implying that cost reductions from learning is moderate and eventually becomes less steep toward MY 2050. Conversely, newer technologies have a steeper learning curve initially, where cost [[Page 62040]] reduction occurs at a high rate. Mature technologies generally have a flatter curve and may not incur much cost reduction, if at all, from learning. Final TSD Chapter 2.4.4 provides an illustration showing various slopes of learning curves. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \137\ NHTSA uses statically projected cumulative volume production estimates because the CAFE Model does not support dynamic projections of cumulative volume at this time. \138\ Simons, J., Cost and Weight Added by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for MY 1968-2012 Passenger Cars and LTVs, Report No. DOT HS 812 354, NHTSA: Washington D.C., pp. 30-33 (2017), available at: https://downloads.regulations.gov/NHTSA-2021-0053-1643/attachment_44.pdf (accessed: May 28, 2026); Argote, L. et al., The Acquisition and Depreciation of Knowledge in a Manufacturing Organization--Turnover and Plant Productivity, Working Paper, Graduate School of Industrial Administration, Carnegie Mellon University (1997); Benkard, C., Learning and