Eco-driving: your tips for saving energy

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May 10, 2022

8 minute read

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Energy prices are rising, and you are wondering how you can reduce your driving costs. Whether you have a combustion, or an electric vehicle, there are solutions for consuming less and saving more. But, for combustion or electric vehicles, these solutions are not always the same!

PEUGEOT equips its internal combustion and electrified cars with driving aids and energy saving devices. But you still need to know about them and adopt the right behaviours for driving in an ecological and economical way!

Here are some best practices to follow. Let's start with the best known.

The right eco-driving gestures before departure

The weight and aerodynamic efficiency of your vehicle inevitably impact consumption. For example, ask yourself if you need your roof box. Its presence can increase fuel consumption by 15-20%. Therefore, remember to remove it as soon as you no longer need it.

Did you also know that poor vehicle maintenance can lead to a 25% increase in fuel overconsumption?

For example, you should regularly check the pressure of your tyres. If they are under-inflated, rolling resistance increases. With the right pressure, you could save up to 3 weeks of fuel a year. Why go without it?

ANTICIPATE TRAFFIC

In the city, failure to keep a safe distance can lead to sudden braking and strong re-acceleration. This "accordion effect" is energy-consuming. The same applies to approaching traffic lights or intersections. Regardless of the type of engine in your vehicle, do not hesitate to use the engine brake.

If you have a PEUGEOT vehicle that is 100% electric or hybrid rechargeable, play with the regenerative braking.

By activating the Brake mode with the button (B) on the centre console, you intensify engine braking to maximise battery charging during deceleration.

Moderate your speed

By reducing your speed from 130 km/h to 110 km/h on the motorway, you save up to 25% on fuel and reduce CO2 emissions.

Do you have a 100% electric vehicle? Keep in mind that the faster you drive, the shorter the car battery will last. It is time to abandon the assumption that driving at 110 km/h rather than 130 km/h is a waste of time. On average, with an electric car, you consume 30% more fuel at 130 km/h than at 110 km/h. On a 400 km ride, a single charge may be sufficient, and you avoid a second stop. Unless, of course, you want to stretch your legs.

Do not hesitate to use your cruise control. It is very efficient for driving at a stable speed while keeping the engine speed low.

Discover all our driving aids

Be flexible when driving

The torque delivered by the combustion engine increases as the engine speed increases, while the electric motor delivers maximum torque from the start.

Pianissimo manoeuvring promotes eco-friendly driving. With a combustion engine, the start remains slow. Shift gears smoothly and change up at the right moment, so as not to over-rev: you should avoid reaching 2000 rpm with a diesel engine and 3000 rpm with a petrol engine.

Did you know?

A rechargeable hybrid car automatically starts in electric mode before switching to combustion. This means that its acceleration and takeover abilities are higher.

PEUGEOT 100% electric and rechargeable hybrid vehicles have a POWERMETER located directly in front of the driver's view. This is a very practical device that allows you to evaluate your driving style.

The POWERMETER has three zones, and shows in real time the power required from the vehicle:

POWER: high-power demand. The slider is in this zone during dynamic driving phases when performance is required. You consume more fuel when the POWERMETER needle is in this zone!
ECO: optimal energy use. The slider is in this zone during the energy optimisation phases for 100% electric vehicles. For rechargeable hybrids, the slider indicates this position when driving electrically or when the petrol engine is being used optimally.
CHARGE: energy recovery phase. The slider is in this zone during deceleration phases.

How to use your hybrid vehicle properly?

Use rechargable hybrid vehicles primarily in electric mode for maximum performance, and charge your vehicle as often as possible.

Rechargeable hybrids are highly intelligent vehicles. The HYBRID mode optimises fuel consumption: the car's artificial intelligence manages the alternating or simultaneous operation of the two types of engines according to driving conditions and driving style to make the most of the energy consumed.

All about plug-in hybrid technology

Switch off the engine when stationary

When your car is stopped for more than 20 seconds, it uses more energy than if it is stopped and restarted. Therefore, it is better to turn off the engine when it is running unnecessarily.

Stop & Start is a technology found on many PEUGEOT vehicles. It is an automatic stop and start device.

Use air conditioning gently

Air conditioning increases your vehicle’s fuel consumption.

You don't need to go down to 19°C when it’s very hot. At 23°C you feel cooler... and it’s better for your health.

By practising eco-driving and adopting a few simple rules, you save energy on board of a combustion or electric PEUGEOT vehicle.

It is good for your wallet, and it is good for the planet. It is also fun to check your consumption statistics and energy flows directly on the on-board computer (especially for electrified vehicles). Watch what happens and practice. Little by little, like an athlete, aim for a fuel or electricity saving record!

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TAGS: Mobilité & Écoresponsabilité

ECO-DRIVING: YOUR TIPS FOR SAVING ENERGY