Understanding Fuel Consumption Metrics

Fuel consumption metrics include:

• Liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km)
• Kilometers per liter (km/L)
• Miles per gallon (MPG)
• Miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) for electric vehicles

Key formulas:

L/100 km = (Liters Used x 100) ÷ Kilometers Traveled
km/L = Kilometers Traveled ÷ Liters Used

For electric vehicles, 33.7 kilowatt-hours = 1 gallon of gas in MPGe conversion.

To calculate these metrics:

1. Record odometer readings at trip start and end
2. Note fuel used to refill

Driving style significantly affects fuel economy. For improved efficiency:

• Maintain steady speeds
• Accelerate gently
• Reduce cargo weight
• Keep proper tire pressure

Factors Influencing Fuel Efficiency

Driving habits: Consistent speed and avoiding unnecessary stops optimize fuel economy.

Vehicle maintenance: Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and proper tire inflation improve performance.

Driving assistants: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) may offer benefits in urban settings but could slightly increase fuel use at higher speeds.

External factors: Aerodynamic drag and vehicle load affect efficiency. Avoid opening windows at high speeds and carrying unnecessary items.

"Understanding fuel consumption metrics enables more efficient and intelligent travel planning."

Estimating Fuel Needs for Different Vehicle Types

Combustion engines: Use manufacturer-provided fuel economy labels with City, Highway, and Combined MPG values. Combined MPG is best for comparisons.

SUVs and trucks generally consume more fuel due to size and power requirements.

Electric vehicles (EVs): Use MPGe for comparison with traditional fuel-driven cars. Consider range and charging locations for trip planning.

Plug-in hybrids: Assess both MPGe and MPG values for a complete efficiency profile.

Consider electricity prices and potential Time-of-Use rates for EV charging when budgeting for trips.

Understanding fuel consumption metrics enables more efficient and intelligent travel planning.

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. MPG vs MPGe.
2. U.S. Department of Energy. Vehicle Cost Calculator.
3. General Motors. Adaptive Cruise Control and Fuel Consumption Study.