A new report issued by the Department of Transportation found that overall fuel economy for new passenger cars and trucks has dropped to an average of 24.7 miles per gallon. This is the lowest average gas mileage since 1980; in 1987, gas mileage peaked at 26.2 mpg. The blame for the US' poor fuel economy has been placed on Americans' love of gas-thirsty sport utility vehicles including the seven-ton Ford Excursion, the largest SUV manufactured, which averages only 10 mpg. The timely DOT report has been released as prices for gasoline have quickly risen to an average of over $1.70 per gallon, meaning that many consumers are paying over $30 to fill their tanks. In light of President Bush's new energy plan and the skyrocketing costs at the gas pumps, automobile companies are offering duel-fuel vehicles, which burn ethanol and gas/ electric hybrid cars. However, as one writer for Forbes.com points out, " [T]hese hybrids won't do as well in winter and won't tow as much."