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Southwest Energy Efficiency Project Southwest Energy Efficiency Project

Taking Action

There are a number of things that you can do to save energy on the road:

  • Reduce Your Driving
  • Maximize Your Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency
  • Buy a New Vehicle
  • Contact Your Elected Officials

Reduce Your Driving

While it’s important to drive as efficiently as possible, the greatest impact you can have is by not driving at all.  You can reduce greenhouse gases and save money on fuel costs by walking, biking, using public transit, carpooling, telecommuting, and combining trips.

Benefits of reducing your personal VMT include less congestion, less pollution, fuel savings, and healthier lifestyle.

Another way to reward yourself for driving less is to sign up for mileage-based auto insurance, which offers reduced rates for those who drive less.  It is currently offered by Progressive and other insurers in several southwestern states.

Maximize Your Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency

Each of the following simple steps can make a big difference in your MPG and your wallet!  The percentages indicate what percent change in fuel efficiency could occur by adopting each tip.

Try this:
 

And save:
 

  1. Drive with a light foot. Accelerate slowly, coast to stops, and keep a steady speed.

5 - 33%

  1. Drive below the speed limit. Most vehicles are most efficient at 55 mph. Higher speeds mean you are using more energy to overcome wind drag.

10 - 25%

  1. Use cruise control in flat terrain. Less accelerating and decelerating means greater efficiency.

7%

  1. Improve aerodynamics. Leave the ski rack and rocket box in the garage when you don’t need it.

17%

  1. Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase drag.

3%

  1. Keep your vehicle tuned up. A smooth running vehicle uses less gas.

4%

  1. Choose Fuel Efficient Tires. Ask your dealer for options.

1 – 2%

  1. Remove excess weight.

2% per 100 lbs

Buy a New Vehicle

If you are purchasing a new or used vehicle, it’s worthwhile to do some research to determine the value of fuel efficiency.  You can use the EPA’s and DOE’s joint Fuel Economy Guide to compare different vehicle models and determine what your annual fuel costs might be.  For example, if you purchased a car that averages 30 mpg rather than one averaging 20 mpg, you would save $520 in annual fuel costs and reduce your CO2 emissions by 2 tons.    

Also consider investing in highly efficient vehicles such as hybrids, plug-in electric hybrids or electric vehicles.  While many of these advanced technologies are just emerging on the market, they can offer even higher vehicle fuel efficiencies of 50 mpg equivalent or greater. Tax credits at the federal and state level may also reduce some of the incremental costs of these advanced technologies.

Federal tax credit for PHEVs: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/progs/view_ind_fed.php/afdc/409/0

US Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicle Data Center has updates on federal and state incentives: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/incentives_laws.html

Colorado Incentives for Efficient Motor Vehicles: http://www.colorado.gov/energy/index.php?/policy/category/motor-vehicle-incentives/

Utah Clean Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit: http://www.airquality.utah.gov/Planning/Mobile/Clean_Fuel_Tax_Credit.htm

No efficient vehicle incentives are currently offered in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico or Wyoming.

Contact Your Elected Officials

It’s important to let your elected representatives at every level of government know that you think transportation issues are important to you.  Contact them and encourage them to support policies that improve the efficiency of our transportation system.

 


Photo by Leslie Kehmeier, Wide Eyed World Photography)