Katerina Swanson
The cost of fuel per mile is a crucial consideration for effective travel planning, especially with today's fluctuating fuel prices. Several factors influence fuel costs per mile, including the type of vehicle, its fuel efficiency, engine size, and the current fuel price. Additionally, driving habits, such as speeding and stop-and-go city driving, can significantly impact fuel efficiency and, consequently, the cost per mile. To make informed decisions, individuals can utilise fuel cost calculators, apps, and advisory fuel rates published by governments to estimate and manage their fuel expenses efficiently.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average fuel price in the US | $3.50 per gallon |
| Average fuel efficiency of a typical US car | 25 MPG |
| Cost per mile | 14-20 cents |
| Cost per mile for a car with a fuel efficiency of 30 MPG and a fuel price of $3.50 per gallon | 11.7 cents |
| Cost of refining | 14% of the price of gas |
| Cost saving by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of oil | 1-2% |
| Cost saving by using "energy conserving" oil | 1-2% |
| Cost saving by keeping tires properly inflated | 3% |
| Additional cost for every five miles driven over 50 mph | $0.24 |
| Advisory fuel rate for fully electric cars from 1 June 2025 | 7 pence per mile |
| Advisory fuel rate for LPG cars | 20% lower than for petrol cars |
| Advisory fuel rate for hybrid cars | Same as for petrol or diesel cars |
| Fuel cost for a smaller sedan | Half the cost of a large SUV |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel cost calculators
There are several ways to calculate fuel costs. One way is to use a fuel cost calculator online or an app such as Roadtrip, which is available on iOS and Android. The app will ask for your destination and car model and will calculate the cost per mile based on your car's specifics and current gas prices.
Another way to calculate fuel costs is to do it manually. First, you need to determine your car's fuel efficiency, which can be found in the manual or online. Then, you need to find the current price of gas per gallon, which is typically available at gas stations or online. Finally, you can calculate the cost per mile by dividing the cost per gallon by the number of miles per gallon. For example, if your car has a fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon and the current gas cost is $3.50 per gallon, the cost per mile would be approximately $0.117.
It is worth noting that the year and model of your car can significantly influence the cost per mile, and that fuel prices fluctuate constantly. Additionally, certain driving habits, such as stop-and-go city driving, can negatively impact your gas mileage. Properly inflated tires, using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil, and driving a smaller car with a less powerful engine can all help to reduce fuel consumption.
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Fuel-efficient vehicles
Fuel costs can be a significant expense, so choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle can be a great way to save money. There are several options for fuel-efficient vehicles, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some key points to consider:
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electric vehicles are an increasingly popular option for those seeking fuel efficiency. They are known for their low fuel consumption and environmental benefits. EVs are often more expensive upfront but can offer long-term savings due to their high fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. The advisory electric rate for fully electric cars in some regions is set to be 7 pence per mile, making them a cost-effective choice.
Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles, which combine a traditional combustion engine with an electric motor, offer improved fuel efficiency over conventional cars. They are particularly well-suited for city driving, as they get better mileage in stop-and-go traffic and are easier to park. Hybrids provide flexibility, allowing you to switch between electric and gasoline power, making them a good choice if you're not ready to fully commit to an electric vehicle.
Fuel-Efficient Conventional Vehicles
If you prefer a traditional combustion engine, there are still options for fuel efficiency. Smaller cars, such as sedans or hatchbacks, tend to have better fuel efficiency than larger SUVs. Properly inflated tires, using the manufacturer's recommended motor oil, and tuning your engine can also improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, planning your routes to minimise stops and diversions can help maximise your fuel economy.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Alternative fuel vehicles, such as flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), are another option. FFVs can run on ethanol-gasoline blends, with some capable of using up to 85% ethanol. These vehicles offer a more sustainable approach by reducing reliance on traditional gasoline. You can use tools like FuelEconomy.gov's Find-a-Car tool to explore alternative fuel vehicle options and make an informed choice.
Diesel Engines
For those who need a vehicle for towing or heavy use, diesel engines are worth considering. Diesel engines are more powerful and 30%-35% more efficient than similar-sized gasoline engines. Modern diesel engines also offer a smoother and quieter driving experience compared to older models.
When choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle, it's important to consider your specific needs, such as driving conditions and frequency. Additionally, utilising tools like fuel calculators or apps can help you estimate the cost per mile and make a more informed decision based on your budget and requirements.
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Advisory fuel rates
If the mileage rate you pay is no higher than the advisory fuel rates for the engine size and fuel type of the company car, there will be no taxable profit, and no Class 1A National Insurance to pay. If your cars are more fuel-efficient, or if the cost of business travel is higher than the guideline rates, you can use your own rates to reflect your situation.
If you pay rates that are higher than the advisory rates but cannot show that the fuel cost per mile is higher, there will be no fuel benefit charge if the mileage payments are only for business travel. Instead, you’ll have to treat any excess as taxable profit and as earnings for Class 1 National Insurance purposes. There will be no fuel benefit charge if you correctly record all private travel mileage and use the correct rate (or higher) to work out how much your employees must repay you for fuel used for private travel. You will not need to use the advisory rates where you can show that employees cover the full cost of private fuel by repaying at a lower mileage rate.
The advisory electric rate for fully electric cars is calculated using electrical price data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The rate is uprated with the latest estimate of electricity prices from the Office for National Statistics. Hybrid cars are treated as either petrol or diesel cars for advisory fuel rates.
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Fuel costs and road trips
Fuel costs are a significant consideration when planning a road trip, and there are several ways to estimate these expenses. Firstly, it is essential to determine your vehicle's fuel efficiency, typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG), which can be found in the car manual or online. The current price of fuel per gallon is another critical factor in the calculation. These two pieces of information can be used to find the cost per mile by dividing the fuel price per gallon by the MPG. For example, if fuel costs $3.50 per gallon and your car has an MPG of 30, the cost per mile would be approximately $0.117 or 11.7 cents.
Several online tools and apps, such as the Roadtrip app, can assist in calculating fuel costs for your trip. These apps often allow users to input their vehicle details and destination, providing tailored cost estimates based on the latest fuel prices. Additionally, some apps can help locate cheaper fuel stations along your route, ensuring further savings. For those in the UK, the Fleet News fuel cost calculator can be useful, as it uses average fuel prices across the UK and allows users to input their mileage to estimate fuel costs.
Other factors can also impact fuel efficiency and, consequently, the overall cost of a road trip. For instance, driving at speeds over 50 miles per hour can significantly increase fuel consumption, with each five miles over resulting in an additional $0.24 per gallon. Therefore, adhering to speed limits is not only safe but also economical. Additionally, maintaining proper tyre inflation can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%, while using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil can improve efficiency by 1-2%.
When planning a road trip, it is beneficial to consider the type of vehicle you are driving. Smaller cars tend to be more fuel-efficient, with a small sedan costing about half as much to fuel as a large SUV. Similarly, choosing a vehicle with a smaller engine can lead to significant savings, as larger engines consume more fuel. Proper maintenance of your vehicle can also make a difference, with a well-tuned engine improving fuel efficiency and fixing issues like a faulty oxygen sensor potentially increasing mileage by up to 40%.
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The impact of speed on fuel costs
Each vehicle has an optimal fuel economy speed, which varies depending on the car's characteristics. However, for most cars, this speed ranges from 55 to 60 miles per hour. Driving above this speed results in a rapid decrease in fuel efficiency. According to studies, for every 5 miles per hour driven over 50 miles per hour, it is like paying an additional $0.22 per gallon of gas. This additional cost is mainly due to increased aerodynamic drag, which requires more energy to overcome, thus burning more fuel.
The impact of speeding on fuel economy is exponential. For example, a car with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon at 55 miles per hour will experience a significant drop in fuel efficiency as speed increases: at 60 miles per hour, it becomes 3% less efficient; at 65 miles per hour, it is 8% less efficient; and at 75 miles per hour, it is a staggering 23% less efficient. This means that driving faster not only increases the risk of accidents and higher insurance rates but also significantly impacts fuel costs.
Additionally, aggressive driving behaviours, such as frequent hard braking associated with speeding, further contribute to reduced fuel efficiency. By driving at a moderate speed and avoiding sudden stops, drivers can improve their fuel economy and, consequently, reduce fuel costs.
To optimize fuel efficiency and minimize costs, it is recommended to maintain a constant speed whenever possible. Highway driving, for instance, allows for steadier speeds compared to city driving, resulting in better fuel efficiency. Utilizing tools like cruise control can assist in maintaining a constant speed and improving fuel economy. Furthermore, proper maintenance of the vehicle, including ensuring proper tyre inflation and using the recommended motor oil, can also positively impact fuel efficiency and reduce overall fuel expenses.
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Frequently asked questions
The advisory electric rate for fully electric cars is 7 pence per mile.
To calculate the fuel cost for your trip, you need to determine the number of miles you'll be driving, your vehicle's average miles per gallon (MPG), and the current price of gas. Then, divide the number of miles by the MPG and multiply the number of gallons needed by the current fuel price.
Here are some ways to improve your gas mileage:
- Keep your tires properly inflated.
- Use the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil.
- Drive a smaller car with a less powerful engine.
- Plan your route carefully and take highways instead of local routes or city streets.
