Improving Energy Efficiency of Vehicles
Improving Energy Efficiency of Vehicles
Vehicle design modifications
- Vehicles can be made more aerodynamic. Less air resistance means less force is needed to move the vehicle, which means less fuel is used, so the process is more energy efficient.
- Use of lighter materials in construction of vehicles, such as carbon fibre. The lighter the vehicle, the less energy is needed to move it, so the process is more energy efficient.
Engine technology improvements
- The use of more efficient engines like hybrid engines that combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This can increase the energy efficiency.
- Engine technology has improved to optimise fuel combustion process, reducing waste.
Energy recovery systems
- Regenerative braking can be used to improve energy efficiency. When the vehicle brakes, rather than the energy being wasted as heat, it is used to charge the battery which can be used to power the vehicle.
Reducing energy usage
- Using more efficient systems for heating, cooling and lighting in a car can also improve energy efficiency.
- Reducing unnecessary energy use, for example, only using air conditioning when necessary.
Fuel type
- Using alternative, more sustainable fuels such as biofuels and electricity. These can be more energy efficient than fossil fuels and produce less carbon emissions which contributes to less environmental damage.
Eco-driving
- Encourage drivers to drive more economically. For example, maintaining a steady speed rather than accelerating and decelerating frequently can reduce fuel consumption, improving the energy efficiency.
- Planning routes to avoid heavy traffic can lead to less idling which also improves fuel efficiency.