Mercedes Mullins
Fuel economy is an important consideration when buying a car. Official fuel economy figures are often higher than what drivers experience in reality. This discrepancy has been confirmed by the European Commission, which found that real-world fuel consumption from diesel and petrol cars is, on average, 20% higher than the official values. This has led to frustration among drivers and unexpected fuel costs. However, some cars do beat their official fuel economy figures, such as the Skoda Kodiaq vRS, which delivered a near 43% improvement. Other factors, such as engine size and type, can also impact a car's fuel economy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Official fuel economy figures | Often higher than what drivers experience in the real world |
| Real-world CO2 emissions and fuel consumption | On average, 20% higher than indicated by official values |
| Skoda Kodiaq vRS | Official figure: 42.7mpg; Real-world testing: 50.9mpg |
| Citroën C3 | Real-world testing: 45.0mpg in the town, 44.9mpg on the motorway, and 65.3mpg in rural areas |
| Downsized 1.0-litre engines | Official figure: 40.9mpg; Real-world testing: 45.1mpg |
| Dacia Duster | Turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine with good fuel economy |
| TCe 100 Bi-Fuel engine | Two fuel tanks, for petrol and LPG |
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What You'll Learn
Real-world fuel economy tests
The latest round of real-world testing of new-car fuel consumption and emissions has shown that many vehicles are not as fuel-efficient as their lab ratings suggest. The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has been testing vehicles on local roads in a $14 million government-funded program. The third set of results, released in May 2024, showed that 38% of the cars evaluated—or eight out of 21—had fuel consumption levels between 6% and 31% higher than the mandated laboratory-generated outcomes. AAA's testing has focused on small to medium SUVs, with six vehicles using more fuel than the rated consumption. Four of these vehicles were within 2.5% of the official figures, while the remaining two ranged from 8% to 13% above the advertised numbers.
The AAA's real-world testing program aims to provide consumers with clear information on how much a particular vehicle will cost to run. By testing vehicles on the road, the AAA takes into account factors such as traffic and weather conditions, as well as how the vehicle is being used and maintained, which can all impact fuel consumption and emissions. This means that consumers will have a more accurate understanding of a vehicle's fuel efficiency and running costs before they purchase it.
The AAA is not the first organisation to conduct real-world fuel efficiency testing. In 2017, the AAA itself ran a pilot real-world testing program. Additionally, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts has stated that it may investigate if there is evidence that a particular vehicle's real-world emissions deviate significantly from those reported for similar vehicles.
Real-world fuel efficiency testing is important because it provides a more accurate representation of a vehicle's fuel consumption and emissions. Lab tests, which are typically conducted in controlled conditions, may not account for various factors that can impact fuel efficiency, such as traffic, weather, and driving habits. By conducting real-world tests, organisations like the AAA can help consumers make more informed choices about the cost and environmental impact of their vehicles.
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Fuel economy vs. official figures
Official fuel consumption figures are determined by a government-standardised formula, which is designed to replicate both city and country driving. The formula takes into account the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle, its weight, and involves a series of stop-start procedures. This results in a combined average fuel economy figure, which is displayed on every new vehicle and is meant to be indicative of what can be expected in average vehicle use.
However, it is important to note that this figure is only a comparative guide. In reality, most cars will use more fuel than the official figure suggests. This is because car companies have become adept at optimising their vehicles to perform better in the standardised test conditions than they do in the real world.
There are a number of ways to calculate and track your car's fuel economy in the real world. Smartphone apps such as Spritmonitor.de allow you to enter new fuelings at the gas station, helping you to calculate your car's gas mileage and manage its costs. Websites such as FuelEconomy.gov and FuelEconomy.gov.au also provide tools to compare the fuel economy of different vehicles, as well as tips on how to improve your vehicle's MPG.
When considering the fuel economy of a vehicle, it is important to look beyond the official figures. While they provide a useful standardised comparison, they do not always reflect real-world fuel consumption. By using the tools mentioned above, you can get a more accurate understanding of a vehicle's fuel economy and make a more informed decision when purchasing a new car.
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Fuel-efficient engines
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many car buyers, and it's an area where there have been significant developments in recent years. Government regulations have played a significant role in pushing manufacturers to develop more efficient engines, with companies like GM and Tesla Motors benefiting from eco-incentive loans.
One of the pioneers of fuel-efficient engines is Honda. The 2003 Honda Insight, with its small 1.0-litre engine and 10 kW electric motor, achieved an impressive 53 miles per gallon (MPG), setting the EPA's MPG record that stood until 2015. Honda continues to innovate, and the 2022 Honda Insight, with its Atkinson cycle engine, showcases their ongoing commitment to fuel efficiency.
Another notable entry in the market is the Hyundai Ioniq Blue, which, according to the EPA, offers the best miles-per-gallon efficiency of any car with a gas engine. Hyundai's engine employs Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology, part of their Blue-Drive system, to conserve gas. The Alternator Management System (AMS) is central to this technology, optimising fuel usage by charging during deceleration.
While diesel engines have traditionally been known for their fuel efficiency, hybrid and electric powertrains are now leading the way. The Toyota Prius, for instance, was the first hybrid available worldwide, and it continues to be a strong contender in the market. The 2023 model, with its gas and electric system, delivers an impressive 196 horsepower.
In the Indian market, Maruti Suzuki has been a key player. Their 1.3 DDiS diesel engine was well-known, and they now offer the 2.0-litre Multijet II, which provides impressive fuel efficiency of 16-17kmpl when driven carefully.
Overall, the pursuit of fuel efficiency has driven remarkable innovations in engine technology, and consumers now have a wide range of fuel-efficient options to choose from.
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Fuel consumption monitoring devices
One method is to use a fuel level sensor, which can be installed in vehicles or fuel storage tanks. These sensors provide real-time data on fuel levels, allowing for the detection of unauthorised drains, refuelling, or pilferage. Advanced sensors, such as the Escort TD-BLE, use Bluetooth and satellite monitoring to eliminate the need for time-consuming and costly manual processes. They can also be used in conjunction with GPS tracking to monitor location and speed, helping to optimise routes and reduce fuel consumption.
Another option is a flowmeter installed in the fuel line of the engine, which measures real fuel consumption. This method is applicable to various types of vehicles, including off-road, railroad, and water vehicles, and is not affected by rough terrain.
There are also several software platforms that offer fuel monitoring as part of a broader fleet management solution. These platforms allow for the integration of fuel cards, on-site fuelling systems, and transaction uploads for digital record-keeping. Some examples include Geotab, Motive, and Verizon Connect. These platforms often include features such as cost analysis, driver performance suggestions, and data management tools.
By utilising these monitoring devices and systems, fleet managers can gain valuable insights into fuel usage, optimise routes and driving practices, and reduce fuel consumption and costs. This not only improves operational efficiency but also helps to protect against fuel theft and contamination.
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Real-world CO2 emissions
The gap between real-world and official CO2 emissions and fuel consumption values of new combustion engine cars has increased between 2018 and 2022 from 8% to 14%. The average gap, or divergence, between official and real-world fuel consumption and CO2 emission values of passenger cars in Europe has grown again despite the introduction of a new vehicle test procedure. The gap has grown by 80% in five years, increasing from a level of 8% in 2018.
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) analysed official CO2 emission data, a proxy for fuel consumption, reported by the European Environment Agency (EEA), combined with real-world fuel consumption information from more than 160,000 combustion engine and conventional hybrid cars reported by consumers on the spritmonitor.de website. Official CO2 emission values are determined through measurements in a controlled laboratory environment.
In 2017, a new test procedure, the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), replaced the former New European Drive Cycle (NEDC). While the new WLTP values are more representative of real-world values than their predecessor—and consequently lowered the gap from 33% in 2018 to 8% in the same year—the gap is now growing again.
The real-world fuel and energy consumption of new cars and vans have been collected since 2021 under a new Implementing Regulation adopted by the European Commission. This data makes it possible to monitor the gap between type approval and actual CO2 emissions, and provides a better understanding of how vehicles perform under real-world driving conditions. All new cars placed on the EU market in 2021 were equipped with an on-board measurement device that records the fuel or energy consumed by a vehicle when in use. The first data was collected from new vehicles sold in 2021 and reported to the European Environment Agency (EEA) as of April 2022.
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Frequently asked questions
Fuel consumption refers to the amount of fuel used by a vehicle. It is usually measured in miles per gallon (mpg) or litres per 100 kilometres.
Fuel consumption is important because it directly affects the cost of running a vehicle. Vehicles with lower fuel consumption will cost less to run than those with higher fuel consumption.
There are several ways to improve your car's fuel consumption:
- Maintain your car well, for example, by ensuring your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.
- Drive efficiently, by accelerating and braking gently, and driving at a consistent speed.
- Reduce the weight of your car by removing any unnecessary items from the boot or interior.
- Choose a car with a smaller engine or a hybrid/electric model, which typically have lower fuel consumption.
Official fuel consumption figures are often determined by standardised tests, such as the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). However, these figures are often higher than the fuel consumption experienced by drivers in the real world. Real-world fuel consumption can be affected by various factors, such as driving style, road conditions, and vehicle load, which may not be fully accounted for in standardised tests.
Several factors can affect a car's fuel economy, including its size, engine type, and driving conditions. However, some cars known for their good fuel economy include:
- Skoda Kodiaq vRS, a high-performance SUV that returned almost 50mpg in testing.
- Dacia Duster, a small and affordable SUV that performs well in terms of fuel economy, especially with the TCe 100 Bi-Fuel engine.
- Citroën C3, one of the cheapest cars on the market, which offers reasonable fuel economy.
