Transport

Drive smoothly:

• • Anticipate the road as far ahead as possible to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, as this increases fuel use.

  • Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front so that you can adapt your speed without necessarily using the brakes.

  • When slowing down, lift off the accelerator as early as possible but remain in gear.

Shift up early to a higher gear

• • Driving at high revs increases fuel consumption so when accelerating change up early, usually by around 2,000rpm.

  • Avoid excessive speeds

  • At high speeds fuel consumption increases dramatically. For example, at 75mph a car uses around 18% more fuel than at 60mph and for a van the penalty is around 37%. For EVs, the increase in energy consumption at high speeds is even greater.

Switch off

• • Many newer cars automatically turn off when stationary in neutral. If yours doesn’t, turn off your engine if you’re going to be stationary for more than a minute or so.

Tyre pressures

• • Under-inflated tyres increase your fuel consumption and can be dangerous, so check them at least once a month and before long journeys.

Roof racks, boxes and bars

• • Having these attached to your car will increase drag and fuel costs, especially at higher speeds, so try to take them off when they’re not being used

Windows versus air conditioning

• • It’s more fuel-efficient to open a window than use air conditioning when driving, even at higher speeds. Air conditioning increases fuel consumption by as much as five per cent. However, we appreciate that open windows are not always pleasant on very hot days or at higher speeds, so if you need to use air conditioning, try to use it sparingly.

Five ways to maximise your EV battery: https://energy.drax.com/insights/maximise-ev-battery/