Let’s say we are driving from A to B. The beginning of the drive starts with a steep uphill, but the remaining drive is long and downhill. Points A and B are the same elevation. Which direction (A to B or B to A) is more energy efficient (less fuel consumption)? Or is it maybe equal?

Question

EDIT: I am discussing real world scenario in a car. I will definitely check the fuel consumption next time I drive from Reykjavík (B) to Hveragerði (A) (and back) here in Iceland. Thanks for great answers 🙂

In: 1

Answer 1

Under ideal conditions you can just coast downhill without using any fuel.

If you have an EV and the conditions are right you can actually recharge on the way down.

In practice we don’t built many roads were this would work.