The speed of a vehicle has a significant impact on fuel consumption. Choosing the right speed, especially on motorways, can help to optimize consumption and thus save costs.
The connection between speed and consumption
A car’s fuel consumption is significantly influenced by air resistance, which increases exponentially as speed increases. While air resistance is relatively low at a speed of 50 km/h, it doubles at 100 km/h and quadruples at 150 km/h. These physical laws make it clear why driving at high speeds results in significantly higher fuel consumption.
The ADAC has shown in tests that consumption increases drastically at speeds above 100 km/h. While high efficiency is achieved at a speed of 80 to 100 km/h, consumption increases by up to 20 percent at 120 km/h. At 160 km/h this value even increases to over 50 percent compared to moderate driving.
The ideal pace for bargain hunters
According to an online article from wa.de, it is recommended to maintain a speed between 100 and 130 km/h on highways in order to minimize fuel consumption without losing too much time. In studies, TÜV Nord has found that a speed between 60 and 90 km/h theoretically achieves the lowest consumption. However, this is hardly practical on motorways and can disrupt traffic flow.
In practice, a steady speed between 100 and 120 km/h is a good compromise between time savings and efficiency. Fuel consumption is kept at an acceptable level, while travel time is only minimally increased, as it goes on to say.
The importance of anticipatory driving
Speed alone is not the only factor that affects fuel consumption. Driving style plays an equally important role. Frequent acceleration and braking increase consumption significantly. Particularly on motorways, where the flow of traffic is interrupted by construction sites, lane changes or heavy traffic, abrupt braking and renewed acceleration place great strain on the engine.
A proactive driving style helps to reduce consumption. This includes keeping an eye on traffic, slowing down early and maintaining a consistent speed. Many modern vehicles are equipped with cruise control, which can help you drive at a constant speed and thus optimize fuel consumption.
Modern systems in use and environmental aspects of saving fuel
Many modern vehicles are equipped with systems that help the driver drive more efficiently. These include eco modes, which adapt driving behavior, and consumption displays, which visualize fuel consumption in real time. These technologies not only help to reduce consumption, but also make the savings potential tangible for the driver. Vehicles with hybrid or electric technology also benefit from regenerative braking, which recovers energy and reduces consumption.
In addition to the financial benefits, a fuel-saving driving style also has positive effects on the environment. Low fuel consumption reduces CO2 emissions and thus reduces the ecological footprint of a vehicle, as the Federal Environment Agency reports. At a time when sustainability and climate protection are becoming increasingly important, efficient driving helps to conserve resources and improve air quality.
The European Environment Agency emphasizes that widespread compliance with speed limits on motorways would not only reduce consumption, but also increase road safety. Countries such as the Netherlands and Norway that have enforced strict speed limits have proven to be able to reduce their CO2 emissions from transport, it concludes.
D. Maier / editorial team finanzen.net