Greener Motoring
Whether you are motivated to reduce the CO2 emissions of your vehicle or fleet of vehicles out of a concern for the environment or because of the likely costs saving flowing from running smaller, more fuel efficient cars, there is little doubt that emission levels are becoming an important consideration when purchasing a new vehicle.
The Green Vehicle Guide provided by the Australian Government provides a rating system based on air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions for all vehicles available on the Australian market. This is an important guide but should only be the starting point in the vehicle selection process.
To select the right green vehicle you need to consider the type of driving that you will be doing. For example, if you are driving mainly in the city, then a hybrid vehicle may suit your needs. Hybrids, like the Toyota Prius, automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle stops and start again when needed. Hybrids also store the energy used to brake for the next acceleration.
However, if you regularly drive at speed or long distances on a highway or toll road, a diesel powered vehicle may prove to be more fuel efficient and produce lower emissions.
Another consideration is the life cycle CO2 emissions of a vehicle. You need to consider the direct and indirect CO2 emissions of a vehicle starting with the raw materials and then vehicle assembly, fuel production and vehicle use.
An American study conducted in 2000 showed that 96% of the CO2 produced throughout the life cycle of a vehicle occurs due to fuel production and vehicle use. Therefore, when comparing vehicles, litres consumed per 100 km and CO2 produced per km are important factors to consider.
The table below provides a comparison of several vehicles based on travelling 15,000 kms per annum.
| Vehicle Description |
CO2 g/km |
L/ 100km |
CO2 TonnesPA |
| PRIUS HYBRID 1.5 CVT |
Hybrid |
106 |
4.4 |
1.59 |
| CIVIC HYBRID 1.3 CVT |
Hybrid |
109 |
4.6 |
1.64 |
| GOLF COMFORTLINE 2.0TDI |
Diesel |
147 |
5.6 |
2.21 |
| COROLLA CONQUEST 1.8 AUTO |
Petrol |
180 |
7.7 |
2.7 |
| ASTRA CDX 1.8 AUTO |
Petrol |
187 |
7.8 |
2.81 |
| AURION AT-X AUTO |
Petrol |
233 |
9.9 |
3.50 |
| CAMRY ALTISE 2.4 AUTO |
Petrol |
233 |
9.9 |
3.50 |
| FALCON XT AUTO (LPG) |
LPG |
240 |
14.9 |
3.60 |
| FALCON XT AUTO |
Petrol |
241 |
10.1 |
3.62 |
| COMMODORE OMEGA AUTO |
Petrol |
252 |
10.6 |
3.78 |
But purchasing a new vehicle is not the only way to reduce CO2 emissions and save money. Changing the way you drive and keeping your vehicle fully serviced can reduce fuel consumption and CO2emissions.
Tips for saving fuel
- Keep your vehicle fully maintained
Ensuring that all scheduled services and repairs are carried out means that your vehicle will always be in top condition. This will minimise its emissions and fuel use.
- Drive in the correct gear
Driving in a gear lower than you need uses more fuel. Automatic transmissions will shift up more quickly and smoothly if you ease back slightly on the accelerator once the car gathers momentum. Avoid engaging power options which drop the vehicle into a lower gear and consume more fuel.
- Drive smoothly
Stop/start driving is much less efficient and more polluting than driving at a constant speed. Take it easy on the accelerator - more revs equals more petrol use.
- Look after your tyres
Keep your tyres inflated at the pressure recommended by the manufacturer and ensure that your wheels are always properly aligned.
- Use air conditioning sparingly
Air conditioners consume up to 10% extra fuel. Interestingly, at speeds over 80 km/h using an air conditioner is better for fuel consumption than an open window as this creates aerodynamic drag. If your vehicle is hot when you start your trip, drive with the windows down for a few minutes to cool your vehicle before starting the air conditioning.
- Cruise at a reduced speed
If you use your cruise control to travel at a lower speed you will reduce wind resistance. You will use approximately 20% to 25% less fuel at 90km/h than at 110km/h. Roof racks and spoilers also increase wind resistance and fuel consumption.
- Don't warm up or idle your engine
Recent model vehicles don’t need to be warmed up. In fact they warm up faster whilst driving. Idling for long periods wastes fuel. Switching off the engine, even for a short periods, will save more fuel than is used in restarting the engine.
- Remove unnecessary weight.
Carrying unnecessary items in your vehicle will increase its weight and the amount of fuel it consumes.
For more information contact:
Carolyn Taylor
(02) 9494 1000
ctaylor@sgfleet.com
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