Driving has become an even more expensive activity thanks to soaring fuel prices. But there’s something motorists can do to save fuel and ease pump pain – and it’s called hypermiling.
Hypermiling refers to when a driver changes or alters their driving habits to maximize fuel efficiency, saving a pretty penny in the process, reports the Daily Express. It’s all about maintaining momentum, and the more you brake and accelerate on hills or in heavy traffic, the less efficient your ride.
Hypermiling gained traction in the United States when gas prices soared in the early 2000s. With high prices at the pumps, many drivers purchased more efficient hybrid cars. Owners of the most efficient cars tried to make them as efficient as possible, using driving techniques that reduced the amount of fuel used.
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One such successful hypermiler is 44-year-old Guinness World Record holder Kevin Brooker. Kevin, who works for Brecon National Parks but lives in Swansea, says you could save up to £600 over a year using this technique.
He said he started hypermiling in an attempt to ease his boredom on the regular 70-mile trip he had to make. “It was almost a way to gamify it,” he said, “to get the fuel that I used to go further.
“I was learning the techniques to get the most out of that gallon.” In an interview with the Guardian, Kevin said: “The bonus was that I was saving money.
“Over a month I could save up to £50 without really increasing my journey time. Most cars now have a range meter, telling you how many miles you have left.
“You find you’re trying to go further than the car thinks it can do with the fuel you have.” Kevin said driving as slowly as possible, and in the highest possible gear without overworking your engine, is the cheapest way to drive.
He urges people to consider hypermiling to save hundreds of pounds a year. One of the most important factors when it comes to hypermiling is avoiding hard acceleration or braking.
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In most fuel-powered cars, energy is wasted every time a driver presses the brakes, while most hybrid and electric cars have regenerative braking where around 70% of the energy used goes back into the battery . Mr Brooker added: “Read the road ahead for traffic lights and roundabouts, so you always keep going.
“If there’s a green light a good distance away, chances are it’ll be red by the time you get there. It’s all about the pace, so you get there when it’s green. With the rounds -points, power them up rather than stopping.”
Of course, drivers should slow down where it makes sense and in the highest possible gear without putting too much strain on the engine. Motorists should also avoid holding “high” gear while respecting the flow of traffic.
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On average, drivers pay 163.52p for a liter of petrol, while premium unleaded costs 176.14p per litre. Diesel drivers still suffer the most at the pump with a liter costing 177.47p, meaning most motorists pay close to £100 for a full tank.
Kevin Brooker also advises drivers to consider switching cars – he personally drives a Hyundai Ioniq electric car. Brooker has calculated that electricity for her return to work now costs 97p, despite soaring electricity prices.
One of his world records comes from an electric car, as he was able to drive from John O’Groats to Land’s End with just one stop to recharge.
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Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-03 14:01:37
