Ecodriving saves money

Some types of cars are already fitted with tools that can help energy efficient driving, including gear change indicators and measurement tools that show the actual fuel economy.

The Centre for Green Transport has been allocated DKK 28 million to develop campaigns and courses in energy efficient driving techniques. As a result of these techniques, drivers save money on fuel, reduce CO2 emissions, and also ensure that they simultaneously keep moving. The primary target groups for these measures are cars and lights commercial vehicles.

ENERGY EFFICIENT DRIVING - TIPS

Driving style and speed
The fuel consumption is closely related to the driving style and the difference between “sporty driving” and “ecodriving” is usually 20-30 %. A car that drives 2.5 km/litre during strong acceleration may drive as much as 25 km/litre at constant speed and steady driving. Outside the cities the fuel consumption is mainly determined by the driving speed. A car with a specific fuel consumption of 15 km/l at 70 km/h will drive 12.5 km/l at 90 km/h and only 10 km/h at 110 km/h.

Tyre pressure
The tyre pressure strongly influences both safety, comfort and fuel consumption. If the tyre pressure is 0.5 bar below the recommended pressure, then the fuel consumption will be increased by 2-3 %. Also, the tyres will be subject to excessive wear.

Load and weight
Unnecessary load increases the fuel consumption. For every 100 kg’s of extra weight, the fuel consumption will be increased by 5 % when driving outside cities and even more when driving inside cities.

Roof rack and ski box
A roof rack typically increases fuel consumption by 10 % during mixed driving and by 20 % when driving at 110 km/h. An ordinary roof rack in itself will usually increase fuel consumption by a few per cent. An external bicycle fixture with two cycles increases fuel consumption by approximately 10 %. If placed on the roof, the cycles increase fuel consumption by 20-30 %.

Trailer and caravan
Driving a caravan typically increases fuel consumption by 40-60 % whereas the increase in fuel consumption when driving with an ordinary trailer depends on the size and weight of the trailer.

Short trips and cold starts
A cold engine consumes much more fuel than a warm engine and consequently emits more CO2. Even when the temperature at 20°C, the car will use approximately 70 % more fuel during the first km than when the engine is warm. After 5 kilometres of driving, consumption is still 20 % above normal. When it is cold outside, 0°C, these figures change to 200 % and 60 %.


Courses in energy efficient driving techniques requires behavioural changes