Why Eco-driving Matters
Transport accounts for around 30% of Sweden’s greenhouse gas emissions. Changing how you drive makes a measurable difference — and saves money at the pump.
1. Anticipate Traffic Flow
The biggest fuel waste is unnecessary braking and re-accelerating. Scan far ahead, ease off the accelerator early, and coast in gear to a red light or slowing traffic. Modern fuel-injected engines use zero fuel when coasting in gear.
2. Use the Highest Sensible Gear
Higher gear = lower RPM = less fuel. Change up early — around 2,000 RPM for petrol, 1,500 for diesel. Avoid letting the engine labour (lug) — if it feels rough or hesitates, drop a gear.
3. Smooth, Gentle Acceleration
Hard acceleration consumes dramatically more fuel. Accelerate gently and reach your target speed steadily. On a motorway, use cruise control — it is almost always more efficient than a human foot.
4. Speed Makes a Big Difference
Air resistance increases with the square of speed. At 120 km/h your engine works roughly twice as hard against air resistance as at 90 km/h. Reducing motorway speed from 120 to 100 km/h typically cuts fuel use by 15–20%.
5. Maintain Your Vehicle
- Tyre pressure — under-inflation increases rolling resistance; check monthly
- Engine servicing — clean filters and fresh oil reduce internal friction
- Roof boxes and bike racks — remove when not in use; they significantly increase drag
- Extra weight — clear heavy items from the boot
6. Air Conditioning
Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by 5–20% in city driving. At speeds under 50 km/h, open windows are more efficient. Above 80 km/h, the aerodynamic drag from open windows outweighs the A/C load.
7. Stop-Start and Idling
Idling for more than 60 seconds burns more fuel than restarting. Never warm up a cold engine by idling — drive off gently; the engine warms faster under light load.
Key Takeaways
- Anticipate — coasting in gear costs nothing
- High gear, low RPM = less fuel
- Motorway speed above 90 km/h has a steep fuel cost
- Check tyres monthly — under-inflation wastes fuel