Drive More Efficiently and Save Money

Smarter Driving Could Cut Your Costs

Efficient driving can make a real difference to both your wallet and the environment. Recent research has shown that small changes in driving style can reduce fuel consumption and energy use, potentially saving UK motorists over £100 a year. This also helps cut harmful emissions in a time of rising fuel and electricity costs.

In the UK, about 600 million litres of fuel are wasted annually due to inefficient driving. Simple actions like avoiding unnecessary idling, planning routes carefully, and keeping your vehicle maintained can significantly reduce this waste.

Younger drivers remain the most eco-efficient, while over 50% of drivers aged 65 and over still do not use fuel-saving techniques. London and other large cities tend to have more eco-conscious habits, with more people choosing to walk or cycle short journeys instead of driving.

Whatever vehicle you drive – petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric – there are practical steps to save energy and reduce running costs.

Car maintenance

• Regular servicing keeps your car running efficiently.
• Use the right engine oil as advised in your handbook.
• Check tyre pressures frequently; under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption.

Before you drive

• Scrape ice off in winter rather than idling to warm the engine.
• Plan your journey using traffic and navigation apps to avoid delays and detours.
• Remove roof racks, boxes, and any unnecessary weight to reduce drag and improve economy.
• Combine short trips into fewer longer journeys where possible.
• For journeys under a couple of miles, consider walking or cycling if able.

Driving more efficiently

• Use smooth, gentle acceleration and braking. Anticipate road conditions to avoid sudden stops.
• Keep rolling where possible — stop-start driving wastes more fuel. Use engine braking and clutch control to maintain momentum.
• Use air conditioning sparingly; open windows at low speeds and limit AC use on motorways.
• Drive gently when the engine is cold to avoid wasted fuel and wear.
• Change gear early—around 2,000 rpm for diesels and 2,500 for petrols. Many cars now have shift indicators for optimal timing.
• Limit electrical loads such as stereo, demisters, and heaters when not necessary.
• Stick to speed limits. Driving at 70 mph uses up to 9% more fuel than 60 mph; 80 mph can use up to 25% more.
• Avoid coasting in neutral; it doesn’t save fuel and reduces control.
• Use cruise control mainly on flat motorways; on hilly terrain it may increase fuel use.

Electric vehicle (EV) efficiency tips

• Accelerate smoothly and anticipate stops to maximise regenerative braking, which recovers up to 70% of kinetic energy in modern EVs.
• Use one-pedal driving modes if available to make use of regeneration and reduce brake wear.
• Drive consistently at moderate speeds; EVs are most efficient between 30-60 mph. Higher motorway speeds dramatically reduce range due to aerodynamic drag.
• Precondition your EV (warm or cool the cabin) while plugged in to save battery power on the road.
• Manage climate control carefully: use seat heaters rather than cabin heating when possible, and reduce AC/heating usage to conserve battery.
• Plan routes that allow avoiding hills and excessive motorway driving for better range. Some navigation apps offer eco-friendly route options.
• Charge during off-peak hours to save costs and maintain battery health by keeping charge levels between 20-80%.
• Regularly check tyre pressures and update vehicle software for optimal energy management.

Choosing your next car

• Smaller engines and lighter cars usually mean better fuel economy.
• Ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs), such as hybrids and EVs, produce significantly less CO₂, with EVs emitting zero tailpipe emissions.
• EVs are cheaper to “fuel” than petrol or diesel cars, especially when charged overnight on cheaper tariffs.
• Renewable and bio-based fuels are becoming more widely available, helping reduce carbon footprint without driving style changes.
• Car-sharing and ride-sharing reduce total fuel use and emissions, helping efficiency for all road users.
• Emerging technologies like connected and autonomous vehicles are expected to enhance eco-driving with better speed and route optimisation in the near future.

Driving efficiently saves money, reduces environmental impact, and prolongs vehicle life. Whether in a petrol car, hybrid, or electric vehicle, adopting eco-driving habits today will benefit both budget and planet well into the future.