Eco-driving is an innovative modality that brings sustainability to driving, committed to environmental preservation and energy efficiency. But the concept goes beyond the simple operation of vehicles with low pollutant emissions, continue reading and find out more.
What is eco-driving?
Golden rules and practical advice
What is this modality for?
What are the benefits of eco-driving?
Myths and truths about eco-driving
Implementation is simpler than it seems
Technologies that are allies of ecological driving
What is eco-driving?
Eco-driving, known as eco-driving in English, presents a more conscious approach to promoting sustainability in transport. In other words, it is nothing more or less than ecological driving.
In addition to choosing more efficient vehicles and fuels, this modality incorporates a series of practices and techniques focused on optimizing fuel consumption and reducing the carbon footprint.
Golden rules and practical advice
By adopting more efficient, safe and environmentally friendly driving practices, you can enhance vehicle performance, reduce fuel consumption, reduce pollution and noise, in addition to contributing to reducing the number of accidents on the roads.
At least that's what the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT), which defined some golden rules and practical advice on eco-driving:
- Only start the engine when you are ready to leave.
- Maintain a constant, smooth speed.
- Use the highest gearbox ratio possible.
- Respect speed limits.
- On steep descents, keep the vehicle in gear.
- Adapt speed to traffic and avoid changing lanes unnecessarily.
- Choose the best route and plan your trips.
- Avoid carrying luggage on the roof of the vehicle.
- Remove unnecessary loads from the trunk and rear seats.
- Avoid using the car for short trips.
- Use air conditioning only when necessary.
- Check tire pressure monthly.
- Keep the vehicle tuned and check the oil level regularly.
- Consider using public transport.
- Sharing the car when traveling to work or leisure.
Of course, the guidelines are for the general public, but many of them make sense in fleet management and in the daily lives of your drivers, so always encourage the team to follow these guidelines.
Suggested reading: Sustainability in fleet management: 7 steps to a successful ESG implementation
What is this modality for?
Among the main objectives of eco-driving, the search for reducing fuel consumption is one of the most prominent. Therefore, when adopting these practices, drivers save resources and reduce emissions of polluting gases into the atmosphere.
Another important factor here is that eco-driving also contributes to building a more responsible transport system and, as a result, improving the quality of life in cities.
Suggested reading: What is the impact of fleet management on urban mobility?
What are the benefits of eco-driving?
The benefits of eco-driving do not stop at more conscious and sustainable environmental approaches, as this change in behavior also offers a series of significant advantages for fleet management.
fuel economy
One of the most obvious results of ecological driving is the savings on supplies, which is quite significant. According to experts, Those who put this method into practice save up to 25% of their fuel consumption.
Smooth driving, with controlled acceleration and braking, also optimizes fuel consumption efficiency, resulting in fewer visits to the gas station and, ultimately, reduced operating costs.
Reduction of polluting gas emissions
This form of driving plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change. By minimizing excessive fuel burning and adopting eco-driving practices, drivers increasingly align themselves with the principles of logistics and sustainability.
Suggested reading: How to reduce the emission of polluting gases from your fleet
Less vehicle wear
In practice, ecological driving is smoother, which results in less wear on mechanical components. This not only extends the life of the vehicles, but it also reduces the need to replace parts frequently.
More traffic safety
Maintaining safe distances and avoiding sudden maneuvers are eco-driving practices and traffic Safety at the same time. Therefore, by adopting this stance, drivers reduce the risk of accidents and bring peace of mind to the roads.
With this, we realize that the line between logistics and sustainability is very fine, where operational efficiency and environmental responsibility go hand in hand to shape a more conscious future in transport.
Myths and truths about eco-driving
When it comes to this modality, there is a lot of information out there, but it is important to separate reality from what is just speculation. With that in mind, let's address some of the myths and truths about eco-driving.
- A common myth is that driving at low speeds saves more fuel, when in fact maintaining a constant, moderate speed is more efficient.
- Another myth is that turning off the car during quick stops saves fuel, but the time needed to restart the vehicle ends up canceling out any savings.
- On the other hand, it is true that proper vehicle maintenance, such as keeping the tires inflated and the engine in good condition, contributes to more efficient eco-driving.
- Furthermore, anticipating maneuvers and driving smoothly are real practices that help reduce fuel consumption and environmental impacts.
As you can see, some small changes in habit are enough to make eco-driving a reality in your operation, so skip to the next topic and learn how to implement it.
Implementation is simpler than it seems
It is probably already clear that, in addition to being an ecologically responsible practice, eco-driving involves the application of various techniques that aim to optimize vehicle performance, reduce fuel consumption and minimize environmental impact.
This contributes to saving resources and puts sustainability and corporate social responsibility, with managers and drivers aware of the impact they cause.
Therefore, we share some suggestions for ecological driving practices to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on fleet management.
Smooth and early driving
Avoiding sudden acceleration and braking is essential for eco-driving, as well as keeping the speed as constant as possible, which can save a good amount of fuel.
Likewise, anticipating conditions and gradually adjusting speed minimizes brake wear and increases traffic safety.
Efficient use of the accelerator
Another technique is to control the use of the accelerator consciously, as avoiding unnecessary acceleration and maintaining constant acceleration in a more efficient rpm range improves fuel efficiency and reduces pollutant emissions.
Regular vehicle maintenance
Vehicle maintenance is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of the operation in general, but it is also important here.
Properly inflated tires and a healthy engine increase fuel efficiency, reduce harmful emissions and extend the life of your vehicle. Other important measures are changing the oil and replacing filters, in addition to proper alignment and balancing and periodic checking of the exhaust system.
Suggested reading: Sustainable maintenance: what it is and how to apply it in fleet management
Proper use of the transmission
Proper choice of gear and efficient use of the transmission are essential in this case. Use higher gears at appropriate times, such as on flat roads or downhill slopes, reduces fuel consumption and contributes to more sustainable driving.
Checking tire pressure
Insufficiently inflated tires increase fuel costs, in addition to directly influencing vehicle control. Over-inflated tires reduce fuel consumption, on the other hand, they increase braking distances and reduce the useful life of parts.
Suggested reading: Tire wear: learn how to check and prevent the 8 main types
Choosing the right tires
Tires with a “fuel efficient” label are designed to create reduced rolling resistance, which also helps to significantly reduce fueling expenses.
Awareness when using air conditioning
The air conditioning system can consume up to half a liter of fuel per hour and, at the beginning of each trip, may represent an increase in consumption of around 10%. So, reducing usage or opting for internal fans whenever possible contributes to significant savings.
Beware of bad driving habits
It is also important to avoid idling the engine in unnecessary situations, as this care reduces fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, in addition to preserving the engine.
Likewise, choosing to shift gears at the correct time and avoiding excessive engine rotations contributes to savings and operational efficiency, leaving the driving addictions further and further back.
Pay attention to vehicle loads
Maintaining the load within the recommended limits for the vehicle is another measure that helps reduce fuel consumption and minimizes wear on suspension and brake components.
Efficient routing
Planning routes efficiently, avoiding congestion and long, unnecessary journeys, also helps to reduce travel time and fuel consumption. Therefore, it should become a fundamental practice in fleets.
Technologies that are allies of ecological driving
So far we have talked about maintenance care and driving practices, but the integration of technologies also plays an important role in the search for more sustainable solutions in the sector and, consequently, in eco-driving. Check out some of the most efficient options.
Energy Management Systems
The most advanced energy management systems are essential in these cases, after all, they optimize energy distribution in the vehicle, adjusting the operation of the engine, transmission and other components to maximize fuel efficiency under different conditions.
Regenerative brakes
Regenerative brakes convert the kinetic energy generated during vehicle deceleration into electrical energy, which is stored and reused. This reduces brake wear and contributes to greater energy efficiency.
Driving assistance systems
Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and other driving assistance systems improve safety as well as promote eco-driving.
This is because by automatically optimizing the vehicle's speed and behavior in response to traffic conditions, these systems contribute greatly to more efficient driving.
Driving monitoring apps
Applications dedicated to driving monitoring They offer, among other information, feedback on performance and handling profile. By evaluating their own driving style, the team has the information they need to become more aware of their practices.
Suggested reading: Golfleet Driver: understand why invest in the driver app
Telemetry
Um telemetry system allows you to monitor vehicle performance by providing detailed information on fuel consumption, average speed, frequent stops and other data relevant to management.
Having this in hand, you can identify areas for improvement, implement strategies to reduce operational costs and prioritize safety, as well as tracking drivers' progress towards eco-driving.
Suggested reading: All about telemetry: what it is, how it works and what the benefits are for fleet management
Video telemetry
Already Video telemetry combines video data and Telemetry functionalities into a single system, providing a complete and detailed view of driver behavior.
With a camera embedded in the vehicle, it is possible to capture risky behavior behind the wheel, enabling the identification of the responsible driver and, more importantly, the correction of these standards.
Suggested reading: Video telemetry: a key change for traffic safety
We are sure that you can already see that, with the right technology at your side, eco-driving and safety become achievable goals for any company that wants to improve its operations.
To learn more about how Videotelemetry works, we have the right eBook for that. Get yours right now:
