Drivers who have successfully followed the ecodriving training course can reduce their fuel consumption by an average of 10% by applying its principles every time they take their car.

This is the conclusion of a study conducted in the province of Québec for a period of one year with the collaboration of 93 drivers from five different organizations.

After the ecodriving training course, more than one driver out of 2 participating in this study successfully applied the techniques learned in the weeks following training. Results revealed an average reduction in fuel consumption of 9.5% on the highway and of 11% in the city. Results from the best ecodrivers of each group led to yearly savings between $285 and $432 per driver.

Changes in the driving habits of these individuals and their ability to drive efficiently were observed over a six-month period. After this time period, reminders or additional training seem to be required to encourage drivers to maintain ecodriving techniques.

Would you like to find out more about the study and its results?

Highlights

Ecodriving pilot project for light-duty vehicles –
Highlights (PDF, 127 Ko)

Full document

Ecodriving pilot project for light-duty vehicles –
Summary of Results (PDF, 739 Ko)

About this study

Launched in the spring of 2009 by the Agence de l'efficacité énergétique, the purpose of this study was to verify the fuel savings that could be generated through ecodriving.

The study was conducted with the use of on-board computers installed in all participating vehicles in order to collect data about engine performance and real-time fuel consumption.

Participants were selected from five different organizations and took part voluntarily or mandatorily. Participants either drove light duty vehicles in the course of their job or for personal use only. A test group (without ecodriving training) was also formed.

In light of the produced results, the ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune is presently working to follow up on this initiative in order to encourage ecodriving training for light duty vehicles drivers across Québec.

Notwithstanding the energy savings, ecodriving could lighten the financial burden of Québec drivers and of companies that rely heavily on road transportation to conduct business.