The Best Way to Drive for the Environment
Since fuel economy ratings were introduced, manufacturers have significantly improved vehicle efficiency, regardless of the power source. At the same time, advancements in safety, luxury and capability have sometimes come at the cost of efficiency. That said, a vehicle's fuel efficiency—and, consequently, its carbon footprint—is affected by more than just its design. External factors such as weather and terrain come into play, but the driver of the vehicle plays a significant role.
Research cited by the AFDC shows that aggressive driving—such as rapid acceleration, hard braking, and excessive speeding—can reduce fuel economy by 15–30% on highways and up to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. On the other hand, smoother driving not only conserves fuel but can also extend the life of your vehicle’s components, such as brakes and tires.
As a vehicle owner and driver, there are many ways to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact—regardless of the type of vehicle or energy source.
1. When you purchase your next car, choose an option with less tailpipe emissions
The most significant environmental impacts of motor vehicles stem from emissions and resource consumption. These impacts occur throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle—from production and operation to end-of-life recycling. Notably, 85–90% of vehicles manufactured in the 2020s will be recycled, reducing waste and reclaiming valuable materials.
Consider more than just tailpipe emissions
While tailpipe emissions are the most recognized environmental impact of vehicle operation, all vehicles—regardless of type—also generate brake dust, tire particulate matter and operating fluids that require proper recycling. Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) operating solely on electricity eliminate tailpipe emissions altogether. However, total emissions depend on how the electricity that powers those vehicles is generated. If sourced from renewables like solar or wind, these vehicles can operate with substantially reduced life-cycle emissions.
Balancing environmental and financial considerations
While EVs are often seen as the most environmentally friendly choice, they may not be the most cost-effective option for everyone. People who have to rely on public charging may find that an efficient hybrid or gasoline-powered vehicle has lower overall energy costs. (See our article on how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle for more information.) For some, lower operating costs take priority over environmental benefits. Additionally, the upfront cost of a new vehicle—whether hybrid, electric, compressed natural gas (CNG) or traditional gasoline-powered—can be a major factor in decision-making.
Check out our guides:
• HEV vs. PHEV: Which Is Right for My Needs?
• Vehículo eléctrico y Hybrid Vehicle Buying Guide
Vehicle size matters
All else being equal, a lighter vehicle requires less energy and produces fewer emissions than a heavier one. Lighter vehicles also cause less wear and tear on infrastructure—an important consideration, especially when comparing them to heavy electric vehicles that can weigh between 5,000 and 9,000 pounds. The most straightforward solution to this challenge is to choose a smaller, lighter more efficient vehicle.
If you need extra space only occasionally—such as for road trips or or visiting family—consider choosing a vehicle that meets your daily needs and renting or sharing a larger one when necessary. This approach reduces both emissions and overall costs.
The efficiency trade-offs of SUVs, trucks and AWD
While SUVs y crossovers (CUVs) have become increasingly popular, they are generally heavier, taller and less aerodynamic than sedans or hatchbacks. As a result, they tend to be less fuel-efficient. The same challenges apply to pickup trucks, where off-road-focused models typically achieve lower highway fuel economy than standard four-wheel-drive versions. All-wheel drive (AWD) is becoming increasingly popular, and its impact on fuel economy is gradually decreasing. However, if you don’t truly need AWD, it may not be the best choice, and unless you have a strong resale value justification, opting for AWD may not be worthwhile.
Keep exploring:
• Sedan vs. SUV: Which is Right For Your Needs?
• Crossover vs. SUV: What’s the Difference?
• Do They Make Offroad Crossovers?
Choosing the right engine and wheels
When it comes to engines, smaller generally means more efficient, assuming all other factors are equal. However, many North Americans opt for larger or more powerful engines, often citing EPA fuel economy estimates that appear nearly identical to those of less powerful options.
It’s important to note that most vehicles on U.S. roads have more power than necessary, with drivers typically using less than a vehicle’s peak power during normal highway travel. However, any time that extra power is utilized—it results in increased fuel consumption.
Wheels also play a role in vehicle efficiency. In general, larger, heavier wheels require more energy to accelerate, leading to increased fuel consumption.
For example, one of the most efficient electric vehicles loses 5% of its EPA-estimated range when equipped with 20-inch wheels instead of 19-inch wheels.
Since features such as all-wheel drive and wheel size can impact fuel efficiency, it is important to conduct thorough research into manufacturer data when determining what type of vehicle will be most efficient.
2. Drive less
Reducing the number of miles you drive is one of the most effective ways to minimize your environmental impact. There are several ways to achieve this, even if eliminating driving entirely isn’t an option.
Consider alternative transportation
If public transportation is available, consider incorporating it into your routine—even for part of a trip. For example, taking an airport shuttle can eliminate the most congested part of your journey, or a train from a nearby station may offer a more efficient route downtown. When feasible, walking and biking are not only better for the environment but also beneficial for your health. If a full round-trip isn’t practical due to distance, weather or carrying groceries, consider walking one way and using transit for the return trip. Additionally, if your employer does not offer remote work options, check if they support a vanpool or other shared commuting programs.
Plan your driving efficiently and be intentional about your trips
If you need to drive, plan your trips strategically to reduce unnecessary mileage. Cold-engine starts are when your vehicle is least efficient, so grouping errands into a single trip can help improve fuel economy. A little thinking ahead to combine errands can minimize unnecessary driving. For example, dropping the kids off at school and then making a slight detour for dry cleaning may be more efficient than making separate trips. You can call ahead to confirm store hours, opt for home-cooked meals instead of dining out, or consolidate non-urgent trips into a single outing. Small adjustments in trip planning can lead to significant reductions in mileage over time.
3. Practice eco-driving techniques
Driving more efficiently can significantly reduce your vehicle’s environmental impact. While the concept might seem obvious, there are practical steps you can take to improve fuel economy and reduce energy consumption.
Maintain a steady speed
One of the simplest ways to drive more efficiently is to adhere to (or stay closer to) the speed limit on highways. Much of the energy your vehicle uses is spent overcoming aerodynamic drag, which increases as speed rises. By driving just 5 mph slower on a long highway trip, you can likely see a noticeable improvement in fuel efficiency.
Use cruise control and maintain a safe following distance
If you’re not experienced with throttle control or hypermiling techniques, use cruise control to maintain a steady speed. When driving in traffic, make sure to keep a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid frequent acceleration and braking. This not only helps save fuel but also helps prevents the “accordion effect” of constant speed fluctuations.
Optimize comfort without wasting energy
Turn off the air conditioning when possible, especially if you can stay comfortable with open windows, ventilation or available ventilated seats. In situations where the weather is mild, avoid idling—turn off your engine and open the windows instead. For example, sitting in a school pickup line with your vehicle idling on a cool day is an inefficient use of energy.
Remove unnecessary weight and accessories
Extra weight and roof racks can reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Remove any unneeded items to improve energy consumption. For instance, ski racks may be useful in winter but are unnecessary in the off-season. If you frequently carry bulky items on the roof, consider investing in a hitch rack, which can offer better fuel efficiency, reduce noise and provide more security for your belongings.
Trust your navigation app for efficient routes
While it may seem counterintuitive to take a longer route, sometimes your mapping software or navigation app will suggest a more efficient path. A route that is slightly longer in distance or time might be less stressful, more scenic and ultimately more fuel-efficient. For example, a 120-mile trip that takes two hours and costs $12 in gas may be more enjoyable than a shorter 115-mile trip that saves you 10 minutes but consumes more fuel.
Organize your city errands for efficiency
If you frequently drive in the city or suburbs, especially with multilane highways and long traffic lights, consider planning your errands in a clockwise direction. Many commercial drivers use this strategy to save time and improve fuel efficiency. By minimizing left turns, which can often lead to stops or longer waits, you’ll spend less time idling and more time moving efficiently.
4. Maintain your vehicle
Proper vehicle maintenance plays a crucial role in improving fuel efficiency. While some tasks are often overlooked, keeping your car in good condition can have a significant impact on performance and environmental impact.
Regular tire pressure checks
One of the most important yet frequently overlooked aspects of fuel efficiency is tire pressure. Despite many new vehicles offering onboard tire-pressure monitoring systems, it’s still essential to check your tires regularly. Be sure to check them when the tires are cold, and don’t forget to inspect your spare tire. Ideally, check your tire pressure at least monthly or, at the very least, with each season change, as pressure can fluctuate with temperature. If your vehicle pulls slightly to the right or left while driving, it’s a sign that your alignment may need to be adjusted. Have your vehicle’s alignment checked and corrected to ensure it runs efficiently and doesn’t waste energy on uneven tire wear.
Follow the owner’s manual for filter maintenance
Another often-overlooked maintenance task is replacing your vehicle’s filters according to the schedule outlined in the Owner’s Manual. Your engine functions best with clean air and fluids circulating throughout. Any restrictions in the airflow or fluids can lead to suboptimal performance and potentially faster wear. Regularly replacing air and oil filters helps ensure your engine runs smoothly and efficiently.
In addition, keep your vehicle’s engine bay clean to prevent debris like leaves and pine needles from accumulating. Keeping the area free of dirt and detritus helps optimize airflow and can prevent unnecessary buildup of irritants under the hood.
See our articles on routine maintenance y EV maintenance para obtener más información.
Explore the Mazda lineup of plug-in hybrid and hybrid electric vehicles
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