According to Automotive Fleet, fuel represents approximately 60% of a fleet’s total operating costs. As a result, fuel expenditure can have a huge impact on your company’s profits. Fortunately, there are ways to improve the fuel efficiency of commercial vehicles, and as these vehicles tend to travel thousands of miles per year, even the smallest change can significantly reduce your fuel costs.
In this article, we will discuss the vehicles types which fall into the category of commercial vehicles, general tips on how to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption, and also how you could be leveraging technology to improve the fuel efficiency of your fleet. We hope you find it useful!
What Are Commercial Vehicles?
Commercial vehicles are used to transport goods, materials or fare-paying passengers. There are many different types of commercial vehicle operating in the UK and across the world, including:
- Vans
- Trucks and Lorries
- Heavy-Duty Vehicles (used in mining, construction, and farming)
- Busses and Coaches
- Taxis
Tips on How to Reduce Fuel Consumption
There are several ways you can reduce the amount of fuel your vehicles consume. Some methods require more effort and may involve higher initial costs, whereas others can be easily implemented into your day-to-day driving. We have compiled a list of our top tips for reducing fuel consumption below:
- Invest in vehicle models that have been manufactured in recent years for improved aerodynamic performance, higher MPG ratings, and more fuel-efficient systems.
- Invest in hybrid electric vehicles.
- Maintain the optimum level of tyre pressure for all vehicles.
- Keep your vehicles regularly and properly serviced.
How to Leverage Technology to Improve Fuel Efficiency
Depending on your budget, investing in recent year vehicle models and hybrid electric vehicles may not be an option for you. Fortunately, with GPS tracking solutions such as Dropapin, it is possible for you to reduce your fuel consumption at an affordable price. Highlighted below are just some are the ways Dropapin can help to improve your fuel efficiency, and ultimately reduce your operating costs as a business:
- Improved driving behaviour – Fast accelerations and harsh braking contribute to a high fuel consumption. Dropapin allows you to track the driving behaviour of your employees to discover whether their driving is causing higher levels of fuel consumption.
- Reduced idling times – According to the US Department of Energy, engine idling can waste up to 1 gallon of fuel per hour! Dropapin can help you to track idling times and identify unnecessary idling incidents.
- Improved route decisions – Choosing the most suitable and shortest routes possible will drastically improve your fuel efficiency. You can use Dropapin to understand the routes your drivers are taking and ensure your drivers are better-informed about which routes to take in the future.
- Improved vehicle maintenance – As previously mentioned, the condition of your vehicles has a significant impact on their fuel consumption. With Dropapin, you can track aspects of your vehicle’s condition and carry out maintenance where necessary.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope you now have a better understanding of how you can improve the efficiency of your commercial vehicles. If you would like further advice regarding the topics discussed in this article, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help!
