Save money on running costs with a fuel-efficient vehicle
The savings that can be generated by opting for a fuel-efficient vehicle are significant.
A less fuel-efficient car can cost twice as much to run as a fuel-efficient alternative.
Let’s compare them.
A fuel-inefficient car:
- can use 10 litres per 100 kilometres
- can cost an average of $1,914 for fuel per year (this assumes 13,200km per year at $1.45/L).
A more fuel-efficient car:
- can use 5 litres per 100 kilometres
- can cost an average of $957 for fuel per year (this assumes 13,200km per year at $1.45/L).
- Annual fuel saving = $957 (a halving of fuel costs)[1]
For people who drive more than 13,200km a year, this comparison tells us there are potentially thousands of dollars to be saved. If your business has a number of different vehicles, then the savings can really add up.
In some cases, the fuel-efficient vehicles can be cheaper to buy, so you might also save on purchase/leasing costs as well as fuel.
If you’re looking to buy a second-hand vehicle, the GreenVehicleGuide.gov.au site also lists the fuel efficiency details of older model cars.
Check out the federal government’s tips for buying a new car here: EnergyCut.info/buying-new-car
Whitford Real Estate, NSW
At Whitford Real Estate, one of the key energy efficiency measures has been replacing the company’s branded vehicle with a more economical model – the Fiat 500 – which uses around 3.9L per 100km.
“It was previously costing $95–$100 a week on petrol but it is now only about $44 – a saving of more than half!” said Director Michael Ferris. “We drive it around a lot but only have to fill it every few weeks. People around town think there are hundreds of them but there’s only one!”
The car also features a special app for economical driving – you put a USB stick into the car, it analyses your driving style and recommends how to modify your driving style to save money on fuel.[2]
- 1. These savings are estimated using a sample petrol price of $1.45 a litre over a travel distance of 13,200 kilometres per year with a mix of urban and rural driving. If you drive more than 13,200 kilometres per year, then the saving will increase.
- 2. EnergyCut.info/whitford-property