Supposedly going faster uses more fuel. But your getting to the place quicker. Shouldn’t you just be using the same amount of fuel as if you were driving slower and getting there later?

Question

Supposedly going faster uses more fuel. But your getting to the place quicker. Shouldn’t you just be using the same amount of fuel as if you were driving slower and getting there later?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Going faster does not alway mean using more fuel. There is an optimal speed at which a vehicle will have the most efficient fuel consumption.

Going super slow can be less efficient because the vehicle is always trying to overcome friction and other forces that keep the object stationary therefore requiring more energy…fuel.

Going too fast can be less efficient because forces like drag can start to cause more friction leading to increased energy consumption.

Finally, this part I am not 100% certain on so I will leave it up to the community, but I believe vehicle engine/transmission can be altered to change fuel efficiency based off speed.