Enlarge AP This is the first option for the new labels, which gives vehicles a grade. DETROIT  In its first major overhaul of fuel-economy ratings in 30 years, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation on Monday released two proposed window stickers designed to make it easier for consumers to compare vehicles. One version gives cars and trucks a grade from A+ to a D, compares vehicles with three sliding scales and gives an estimated annual fuel cost. The other version omits the grade. At first, only electric vehicles would rate an A+. DRIVE ON: See the two propsed label designs New stickers are required under the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, which increases average fuel economy to 35 miles per gallon by 2016, and calls for new labels spelling out fuel economy, greenhouse gas and other emissions information. The government agencies want consumer input on the two designs, and are asking people to submit comments through the website www.epa.gov/fueleconomy. "We want to help buyers find vehicles that meet their needs, keep the air clean and save them money at the pump," said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. The new labels will take effect on 2012 model-year vehicles. Under the grading system, the median score would be a B-, says Gina McCarthy, EPA assistant administrator for air and radiation. Fully electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf would get an A+, and plug-in hybrids would get an A. Many standard hybrids (Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion) would get an A-. Most SUVs would get a C or lower. Gas-guzzling sports cars such as the Ferrari 612 would get a D. "The proposed letter grade falls short because it is imbued with schoolyard memories of passing and failing," says Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the auto industry's trade group Auto Alliance, which prefers the other label. The Natural Resources Defense Council prefers the grading system. "The bold letter grades are very attractive, because they simplify the process," says Luke Tonachel, vehicles analyst for the NRDC. "Consumers should be able to quickly understand what their most efficient and cleanest options are." The proposed stickers still do not put to rest an issue looming over electric cars: Nissan and Chevrolet have models hitting the market this fall, and have quibbled about which has the best fuel-economy rating. The EPA is still working on a solution for those cars, McCarthy said. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more