Hypermiling, or eco-driving, is the practice of driving a vehicle in the most fuel-efficient way possible. It forms an important part of sustainable driving, helping drivers reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and save money during the current cost-of-living crisis.
A wide variety of fleets can benefit from hypermiling, as it can be performed in petrol and diesel vehicles and can also improve the efficiency of hybrid and electric vehicles.
Although hypermiling is a cost-effective technique, it’s important to do it safely to protect both the driver and their vehicle. We’ve considered everything you need to know about hypermiling and compiled top tips on how to do it effectively to save your business money.
In this guide to sustainable driving, we explore the most effective hypermiling techniques and how businesses can safely implement them to reduce fuel costs.
What is hypermiling? A key part of sustainable driving
Businesses are always looking for ways to optimise their fuel usage so that they can run a profitable fleet and save money wherever possible. This has become particularly important over the last year as fuel costs reached an all-time high, and many businesses are under financial strain.
As a result, many drivers are now using hypermiling techniques and altering their driving behaviour to become more efficient. This is achieved by maintaining the momentum of your vehicle by choosing direct routes that require the least amount of acceleration and braking possible.
It’s been reported that this technique could save drivers a substantial amount each month, which will appeal to fleets that are looking to cut fuel costs. However, some of these techniques can potentially be dangerous, so it’s essential that drivers put safety first, making sure to focus on the road ahead and consider other road users.
Hypermiling can also improve the mileage of an electric vehicle, making it a useful strategy for businesses looking to adopt more sustainable driving practices. This is particularly useful given that the cost of charging an EV has increased substantially over 2022 due to the energy price cap increase. Hypermiling could be a viable solution for businesses as it can extend the range of EVs, reducing the frequency of recharging.
Hypermiling techniques are the same for electric vehicles as their ICE counterparts, as they’re based on driver behaviour and the condition of the vehicle rather than the fuel used.
Adapting driver behaviour can help improve the fuel efficiency of your fleet. Choosing when to drive and deciding whether it’s even necessary are just as important. Drivers can also maximise their hypermiling techniques by making changes to their vehicles. We suggest you:
Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained and serviced regularly, as this will keep your vehicle operating efficiently.
Track your MPG. By keeping detailed records of your mileage and fuel usage, you can determine how successful your hypermiling techniques have been.
Wherever possible, remove excess weight, such as toolboxes and heavy goods and take off any unused roof racks, as this can increase drag.
Ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure to ensure that rolling resistance is at its most efficient. This is important as low tyre pressure causes more drag and less MPG, which will lower the fuel economy of your vehicle.
Limit the use of air-conditioning and heating, as they can increase your fuel consumption by around 10% if used frequently.
Plan your route in advance, choosing roads that are as short and flat as possible whilst avoiding potential traffic congestion. Drivers can use a new Google tool that highlights the most fuel-efficient route for them.
Wear lightly soled shoes to give you a better feel of the pedals, allowing you to brake and accelerate smoothly.
The benefits of sustainable driving
Sustainable driving focuses on reducing fuel consumption, lowering emissions, and improving vehicle efficiency through better driving habits and vehicle maintenance. Many of the principles used in hypermiling techniques also support broader sustainable driving practices that benefit both businesses and the environment.
Benefits for your vehicle
Adopting sustainable driving habits can help extend your vehicle's lifespan and reduce maintenance costs. Driving smoothly, avoiding harsh braking, and maintaining steady speeds reduces wear on key components such as brakes, tyres, and the engine.
Some of the main vehicle-related benefits include:
Improved fuel efficiency, helping fleets reduce fuel costs
Reduced wear on brakes and tyres, lowering maintenance expenses
Longer engine lifespan due to smoother acceleration and driving habits
Better vehicle performance through consistent maintenance and monitoring
When combined with regular servicing and proper vehicle checks, sustainable driving techniques can help businesses operate their fleets more efficiently over the long term.
Benefits for the environment
Sustainable driving also plays an important role in reducing the environmental impact of road transport. By lowering fuel consumption and encouraging more efficient vehicle use, businesses and drivers can contribute to wider efforts to reduce emissions.
The UK government has set clear targets to decarbonise transport and reduce emissions as part of its net zero strategy. These include phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030 and transitioning to zero-emission vehicles in the following years.
Government transport strategies also aim to reduce emissions across road transport while improving air quality and supporting cleaner technologies such as electric vehicles.
By adopting sustainable driving habits today, businesses can reduce fuel consumption, cut emissions, and prepare for a future where cleaner transport solutions play a larger role in fleet management.
Hypermiling techniques to improve sustainable driving
With fuel and electricity prices on the rise, integrating a few hypermiling measures into your driving can save your business a substantial amount of money in the long run. Adjusting your driving style and habits is a simple way to ensure that you’re maximising your fuel economy while supporting sustainable driving practices. Some of our top hypermiling tips are:
Slow down. Driving faster creates more drag and resistance, which will use more fuel. If drivers reduce their speed by 20mph, when possible, they’ll increase their MPG by up to 45%.
Drive without brakes (DWB). Driving with minimal use of the brakes is a popular technique as it can help you save fuel by maximising your vehicle’s stored momentum and energy. This can be done by thinking ahead and taking your foot off the accelerator in advance, so you don’t have to slam on your brakes. We do not recommend that you avoid using your brakes completely, as this could cause an accident on the road. It’s also possible to allow the regenerative braking in an electric vehicle to handle most of the braking for you.
Drive defensively. Drivers should also anticipate events before they occur, for example, a traffic light turning red. This allows you to drive safely on the road and increases your fuel economy as you can avoid harsh braking and accelerating by being prepared.
Get fuel for the best price. Fuel prices are currently extremely volatile, so it’s more important than ever before to ensure that you’re getting the best price for your fuel. Planning your route in advance will help you to identify accessible fuel stations, and drivers can use a cost-effective fuel card to pay for their fuel.
Some hypermiling methods, including coasting and idling, can pose a risk to your vehicle and other road users. Businesses should ensure drivers understand which hypermiling techniques are safe and appropriate so they can support sustainable driving without compromising road safety.
How our fuel cards can help with your fuel consumption
By using a fuel card in conjunction with hypermiling techniques, businesses can track their fuel expenditure, improve fuel efficiency, and support a more sustainable driving strategy.
Right Fuel Card offers a range of fuel cards that are suited to all businesses, regardless of how many vehicles are in their fleet. We have competitive fuel prices that aim to help you save money on every litre of fuel bought, and we do not charge any interest fees on purchases made with our fuel cards.
In addition, our fuel cards can reduce administration costs as businesses can easily monitor all transactions through our online account management system. Drivers will no longer need to keep hold of their receipts, as you’ll receive a single weekly invoice, making it much easier for you to claim back any VAT that’s owed to you.
To find out more about how our fuel cards can benefit your business, contact our team at 0113 202 5110 today. Alternatively, you can use our quick comparison tool to discover the fuel card that best suits the needs of your fleet.
FAQs about hypermiling and sustainable driving
What is sustainable driving?
Sustainable driving refers to driving habits that reduce fuel consumption, minimise emissions, and improve vehicle efficiency. Techniques such as smooth acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and planning routes can all contribute to more sustainable driving. Many of these habits overlap with hypermiling techniques and can help businesses reduce operational costs.
You can learn more about maintaining efficient vehicles in our guide to keeping your vehicle in good condition.
Are hypermiling techniques safe?
Most hypermiling techniques are safe when applied sensibly. Practices such as driving smoothly, maintaining tyre pressure, and planning efficient routes can improve fuel economy without increasing risk.
However, some extreme hypermiling methods, such as excessive coasting or switching the engine off while moving, can be dangerous and should be avoided. Drivers should always prioritise road safety and follow normal driving regulations.
Does sustainable driving really reduce fuel consumption?
Yes. Small changes in driving behaviour can significantly improve fuel efficiency. Driving at consistent speeds, avoiding unnecessary acceleration, and keeping vehicles well-maintained can all reduce fuel usage over time.
Businesses managing fleets can also monitor fuel use and identify efficiency improvements using fuel cards and digital reporting tools.
How can businesses encourage sustainable driving in their fleets?
Businesses can support sustainable driving by:
Providing driver training on efficient driving habits
Monitoring fuel usage and vehicle performance
Maintaining vehicles regularly
Encouraging route planning and efficient journeys
Regular vehicle checks also play an important role in fleet efficiency. Preparing vehicles properly can even help drivers pass their MOT first time, reducing downtime and unexpected repair costs.
