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The data.

We all flinch at each uptick of gas prices, right?  Well, factor in this rule of thumb: each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon for gas. 

 

EPA data: Gas Mileage vs. Speed

Model

Speed = 40 MPH

Speed = 50 MPH




Speed = 60 MPH


Gas Mileage (mpg)

Gas Mileage (mpg)




Gas Mileage (mpg)

Sub-Compact

35

36




29

Compact

28

30




27

Midsize

21

22




20

Van

15

17




13

Luxury

13

14




12

 

The EPA is apparently quite confident that you wouldn't have any inclination to go as fast as 65, and of course no one ever exceeds the legal limit, so why waste time doing the numbers for 70, 75, or 80 mph?

If the sweet spot for fuel efficiency is in the 50's, as the chart indicate, then as you get into the high 60's and above, the addition of each mph requires more fuel than the last.  This is explained in greater detail at howstuffworks' article answering the question, "What speed should I drive to get maximum fuel efficiency?"

 

 Other links on other side topics relating to fuel efficient driving: (in progress)

Which is more efficient, air conditioning or windows down?

 

Posted on Sunday, July 16, 2006 at 10:13PM by Registered CommenterJay Hanson | Comments4 Comments | References14 References

References (14)

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Reader Comments (4)

I currently commute from Centuria, WI to south Minneapolis to work and back. I drive hwy 8 and 35W. I have a new '08 Scion XD with EPA ratings of 27 city and 33 hwy. I have been experimenting with driving speeds of 55mph and easy acceleration and have been pleasantly surprised with an average of 43 mpg on my commute which is all hwy driving. Thank you for getting this movement rolling, I will do my best to spread the word. Please contact me if I can help in any other manner.
September 26, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterDave Rosendahl
Thank You Jay! I have been driving responsibly for most of my adult life.I take pride in keeping it at 55. It started during the "Stay Alive at 55" campaign of the 70's, when most of my pals were seeing just how fast they could get from point A to point B. Since that that type of mentality has come back to haunt us , all adults should be teaching the younger folks just what it means to be responsible in ALL areas of life, especially when they get behind the wheel of an automobile. I commend you for advancing this life saving/fuel saving logic. I will display your stickers proudly, and give them to all of my family and friends. I encourage anyone reading this to do the same. Bring a hand full of stickers to your city council meetings. Give some to your kids' coaches. You CAN make a difference! Challenge the leaders in your small community to get on board. It's your tax dollars that fill up their tanks!!!!"JUST DO IT". Buy a bunch of Jay's stickers and pass 'em out to some strategic locations and be proud knowing that you are saving lives as well as saving money.
January 31, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterShane Bashaw
Thank You Jay! I have been driving responsibly for most of my adult life.I take pride in keeping it at 55. It started during the "Stay Alive at 55" campaign of the 70's, when most of my pals were seeing just how fast they could get from point A to point B. Since that that type of mentality has come back to haunt us , all adults should be teaching the younger folks just what it means to be responsible in ALL areas of life, especially when they get behind the wheel of an automobile. I commend you for advancing this life saving/fuel saving logic. I will display your stickers proudly, and give them to all of my family and friends. I encourage anyone reading this to do the same. Bring a hand full of stickers to your city council meetings. Give some to your kids' coaches. You CAN make a difference! Challenge the leaders in your small community to get on board. It's your tax dollars that fill up their tanks!!!!"JUST DO IT". Buy a bunch of Jay's stickers and pass 'em out to some strategic locations and be proud knowing that you are saving lives as well as saving money!!!!
January 31, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterShane Bashaw
When I set my cruise at 57 I get about $0.30 a gallon free because my mileage jumps 10%.

If Pawlenty won't mandate it the least he could do is lead by asking us to slow down.
January 31, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterJohn

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