U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Office

Fact #278: July 28, 2003
Annual VMT Growth Rates

Vehicle miles of travel (VMT) of highway vehicles in 2001 was 2.5 times that of 1970. The average annual growth in VMT was the smallest from 1990–1995, followed closely by 1995–2000. For the entire period of 1970–2001, average annual growth is 3%.

Annual VMT Growth Rates
Graph: Annual VMT Growth Rates

Supporting Information

Annual VMT Growth Rates
Year Average Annual Growth Rate
1970–1975 3.7%
1975–1980 2.8%
1980–1985 3.0%
1985–1990 3.9%
1990–1995 2.5%
1995–2000 2.5%
1970–2001 3.0%

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Statistics, Table VM-1, annual editions.

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