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

Going down hill with an appropriate cruise control is pretty fuel efficient. When you gotta pump the gas going up hill you’re gonna guzzle just trying to maintain speed