DON’T STEP ON IT
Being light-footed on the gas also means having a smaller carbon footprint
Using less of the Earth’s resources more efficiently and productively in a circular economy and making the transition from carbon-based fuels to renewable energies are defining features of the emerging economic paradigm. In the new era, we each become a node in the nervous system of the biosphere.
- Jeremy Rifkin, “The Zero Marginal Cost Society: The Internet of Things, The Collaborative Commons, and the Eclipse of Capitalism”
I first came across Rifkin’s work in his earlier book “Beyond Beef: The Rise and Fall of the Cattle Culture”, in which he discussed at length that as demand for grain-fed beef continued to rise among the well-to-do consumers of developed nations, the world’s supply of clean fresh water would most likely dwindle. Rifkin has that keen worldview of the interconnectedness of everything; specifically, finite resources have something to do with other finite resources, despite them seeming unrelated at first.
In the “Zero Marginal Cost” book, Rifkin takes direct aim at fossil fuels and how transitioning from such energy sources to renewables can ultimately change the game not only for the global economy, but for the ecology of the planet as well. And that, for me, is the key reason humankind needs to make that transition.
I also understand that this change won’t happen overnight, as shown by governments, industries, and enterprises needing at least 20 years to completely transition the energy sources of their industries, transport systems, logistics, and vehicles to all-electric or other renewable forms.
Between now and then, we’ll have to make the most of our fossil fuel-powered internal combustion engines.
Granted, there are numerous factors well beyond our individual control—such as volatile pump prices borne out of the complex interplay between global economic events and oil producers/suppliers— you can still optimize every peso you spend on fuel.
Of course, the most fuel-efficient way to go is to not use a car at all. For myself, as much as possible, if my trip takes less than 2 kms, I’ll just walk or ride my bike (weather permitting, that is). The pandemic has forced me to avoid riding public transport for now, and has made me use my car more often. The alarming rise of gas prices has made me more conscientious of my driving habits. I’m quite fortunate that, after being immersed in the motoring media for over 20 years, I’ve picked up a number of tried-and-tested practices and techniques in fuel-efficient driving.
Right now, I’ll just cut right to the chase, and offer you a shortcut to fuel-efficient driving by suggesting that, in your next car purchase, you consider this trio of the most fuel-efficient cars in the city. And yes, the following cars are all from Honda, because I myself own an extremely reliable (and still fuel-efficient) 1997 Civic that I wouldn’t sell nor trade for anything (except maybe for a new EV). I also own a Toyota HiAce, but I’ll reserve my feature for Toyota’s own fuel misers for another time.
Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) in partnership with Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) recently ran a fuel economy test on the three Honda models: The City, Brio, and BR-V. Leading the list was the subcompact sedan City, as its 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine yielded an eye-opening 25.17 km/liter, no doubt pushed those extra miles by the variable valve timing and electronic lift control technology. The next most fuel-miser Honda was the Brio subcompact hatch powered by a 1.2-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine with CVT. The Brio went for 24.39 km/liter. Rounding up this trio was the BR-V subcompact crossover SUV powered by a 1.5 i-VTEC engine, which enabled it to attain a fuel economy of 22.58 km/liter.
The fuel economy runs were conducted under AAP supervision, its parameters include cruising speeds of between 60 and 80 kph at 15002000 rpm, and aircon setting of 24°C and blower fan speed of 1. More details of the fuel run can be seen at hondaphil.com.
You can still squeeze out a fuel-efficient drive—whatever car brand and model you own—by keeping your car well-maintained at all times and following the manufacturer’s recommended periodic maintenance services.
Be mindful, as well, of your tires’ condition: They must be properly inflated and balanced. Tests have shown that a 1-percent decrease in tire pressure can lead to a 0.3-percent reduction in fuel economy and shorter tire lifespan. Check your car’s tires every two weeks to make sure you’re within the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle’s load.
As far as driving habits are concerned, avoid fast acceleration and deceleration; be light-footed on the gas pedals. It has been measured that aggressive driving (speeding and rapid acceleration/braking), aside from being unsafe, may lower gas mileage by up to 30 percent at highway speeds and up to 40 percent in stopand-go traffic.
Plan and combine your trips. Whenever it’s safe to do so, carpool. It’s a good way to reduce trips and fuel consumption within your group. Avoid getting caught in rushhour traffic. Use navigation apps to know the best route for your destination.
Minimize idling. Idling for long periods means you’re burning fuel without going anywhere. Get rid of any extra weight in the car. It has been estimated that for every additional 100 pounds in the car, the mileage decreases by 2 percent—even more when going up inclines.