The motoring industry is midway through a green revolution. Within a decade, we’re likely to see a shift toward the battery-electric vehicle that will render the motoring landscape utterly unrecognisable. Home charging points will become ubiquitous, and the filling station as we know it will become obsolete – or, so goes the conventional wisdom.
But there’s more to saving on carbon emissions than the technological changes. We can also lower our emissions, not in ten years’ time, but right now, by adopting the right conscientious driving practices.
Fuel-Efficient Driving Techniques
Excessive idling and aggressive driving both contribute to wasted energy. If you’re pulled up outside of a school, then you don’t need to leave the motor running – and by doing so, you’re polluting the local air. Driving too fast and braking too hard will also create more emissions than necessary. All of that energy that you’re diffusing through the brake pads is energy that’s being wasted through heat.
So, what should we be doing? Driving as smoothly and slowly as possible. Keep an eye on the road ahead, and plan in advance for stops and starts. If there’s a queue of traffic at the lights ahead, then don’t be in a hurry to get there, in other words.
Eco-friendly driving encompasses a range of techniques like this – and it’s worth getting to grips with some of the basics if you’re committed to eco-friendly motoring.
Vehicle Maintenance for Green Driving
You’ll need to keep your vehicle in good condition if it’s going to remain green. Check the tyre pressure regularly, and replace the filters. You might also treat your car to a regular tune-up and service.
It isn’t just your vehicle’s direct emissions that we need to worry about. If your car’s lifespan is shortened, then a new vehicle will need to be produced to replace it. That manufacturing process has a carbon footprint, too. So, by keeping your vehicle in good condition for as long as possible, you’ll make your life on the road that little bit greener.
The Impact of Carpooling and Ride-Sharing
If four people drive to work in four different cars, then their overall carbon footprint will be considerable. If they all share the same vehicle, then the problem is cut substantially. The roads will be less congested, and trips will be shortened for everyone.
Naturally, there’s a bit of a coordination problem to tackle, here. Employers might run carpooling schemes to encourage the practice, perhaps in collaboration with other local businesses.
Eco-Friendly Vehicle Choices
Finally, we should make mention of your choice of vehicle. You don’t need to spend big: even used Vauxhall cars often provide considerable efficiency savings. In most cases, hybrid and electric cars will generate lower emissions, while reducing your dependence on fossil fuels. There are big tax benefits, too.
