The EPA is planning to change the window stickers found on new cars so that fuel economy ratings are easier to understand and compare. The new window stickers will include gas mileage ratings that consumers are familiar with, but will also give buyers more information to put those numbers into context.

The new gas mileage window sticker will be in effect on all 2012 model-year vehicles.

There are two proposed designs for the new stickers, and the EPA wants consumers to comment with their thoughts on the two. Both proposed new sticker designs will feature the typical city, highway and combined miles per gallon rating. The new gas mileage stickers will also tell consumers the amount of gallons consumed per 100 miles and the approximate yearly fuel cost for the vehicle. The fuel economy stickers will include a special code that can be scanned by a smart phone for even more information.

Both gas mileage sticker designs will also feature information on the amount of pollutants released by the car, which the EPA believes will help buyers make more ecologically oriented purchases.

The main difference between the two proposed stickers is that one will include a letter grade, between “A+” for electric vehicles and “D” for gas guzzlers. Opponents believe that the letter grades will bring up childhood memories of passing and failing. Proponents say that the letter grade system will allow consumers to make decisions more quickly, according to USA Today.

Take a look at the two stickers and let us know what you think of them in the comments section.

Images via USA Today.