Most cars have their most fuel efficient speed at around 80-100 km/h, but most main roads are 100-130 km/h in terms of maximum speed. Shouldn’t we change cars?
In: 5
The biggest problem is physics. Air resistance increases with the square of your speed; if you increase your speed from 50kph to 100kph it requires 4x as much force to move your car down the road. At high speeds (above about 120kph) it really isn’t possible to be super fuel efficient as you have to burn more fuel to overcome the air resistance.
That’s also why the most efficient vehicles (Teslas, Prius, etc.) have a teardrop-like shape; it minimizes the effects of air resistance.
During the fuel crisis in the late 70s the US limited speed limits nationwide to 55mph (89kph) to reduce fuel consumption.
Latest Answers