Eco-driving : strategic, tactical, and operational decisions of the driver that improve vehicle fuel economy.

Sivak, Michael; Schoettle, Brandon · 2011 · ROSA P / University of Michigan. Transportation Research Institute

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Summary

This report by Sivak and Schoettle (2011) examines how driver decisions at strategic, tactical, and operational levels influence the on-road fuel economy of light-duty vehicles in the United States. Motivated by the relatively low average on-road fuel economy of 17.4 mpg in 2008 and the high energy intensity of personal driving compared to other transport modes, the study aims to quantify the impact of eco-driving practices. The authors categorize these practices into strategic decisions (vehicle selection and maintenance), tactical decisions (route selection and load management), and operational decisions (driver behavior). The analysis relies on data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding 2011 model year vehicles, as well as existing literature on driving behaviors and vehicle maintenance. The study evaluates specific factors such as vehicle class and model efficiency, engine tuning, tire pressure, route grade and congestion, vehicle weight, idling, speed, cruise control usage, air conditioning, and driving aggressivity. The findings indicate that strategic vehicle selection has the most dominant effect on fuel economy. The most fuel-efficient car available in the U.S. market is nine times more efficient than the least efficient model. However, the cumulative effect of tactical and operational decisions is substantial. The authors demonstrate that disregarding best practices in these areas can reduce the actual fuel economy of a highly efficient vehicle by approximately 45%. Specific operational impacts include a 30% reduction in mileage due to aggressive driving, a 33% drop when driving at 90 mph compared to optimal speeds, and a 5–25% reduction from air conditioner use. Tactical factors such as route congestion and grade profiles can reduce efficiency by 15–40%, while carrying extra weight reduces mileage by up to 2% per 100 pounds. Maintenance issues, such as underinflated tires or improper engine oil, contribute smaller but measurable losses of 1–2% each. The study concludes that while vehicle choice is the primary determinant of fuel efficiency, driver-controlled factors remain significant, offering a potential 45% improvement in on-road performance through optimized behavior and maintenance. Furthermore, the report highlights a critical systemic issue: vehicle occupancy in the U.S. dropped by 30% between 1960 and 2009, increasing the energy intensity per occupant by a similar margin. The authors argue that increasing carpooling to 1960s levels, alongside adopting eco-driving practices, is essential for reducing the overall energy intensity of personal transportation.

Key finding

Vehicle selection has the largest impact on fuel economy, but cumulative poor driving and tactical decisions can reduce the fuel economy of an efficient vehicle by approximately 45%.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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• eco driving