Calculate exactly how much fuel your trip will cost — in miles per gallon or liters per 100km.
Average US new car gets ~28 MPG. SUVs: ~20–25 MPG. Sedans: ~30–35 MPG. EVs: equivalent 100+ MPGe.
US average gas price varies significantly by region. Check GasBuddy.com for current local prices.
EVs cost ~$0.03–0.05/mile in electricity vs $0.10–0.15/mile for a 30 MPG car at $3.50/gallon.
Maintain steady speed, avoid hard acceleration, keep tires inflated, remove roof racks when not in use.
Fuel cost = (Distance ÷ Fuel efficiency) × Fuel price. Example: 500-mile trip in a car getting 30 MPG at $3.50/gallon: 500 ÷ 30 = 16.67 gallons. 16.67 × $3.50 = $58.33 total fuel cost. For the return trip, double it: $116.67 round trip. If traveling with 4 people: $116.67 ÷ 4 = $29.17 per person. Compare with airline ticket prices to make the drive-vs-fly decision.
Fuel economy ratings vary widely by vehicle class. EPA ratings for 2024 model year: Compact sedans: 30–40 MPG. Midsize sedans: 28–35 MPG. Full-size sedans: 25–30 MPG. Small SUVs/crossovers: 25–35 MPG. Midsize SUVs: 20–28 MPG. Trucks: 18–25 MPG. Hybrid cars: 40–55 MPG. Plug-in hybrids: 50–100 MPGe (combined). Battery EVs: 100–140 MPGe equivalent. For reference, the EPA defines a 'fuel-efficient' vehicle as one getting at least 30 MPG combined.
L/100km = 235.215 ÷ MPG (US). Examples: 20 MPG → 11.76 L/100km. 25 MPG → 9.41 L/100km. 30 MPG → 7.84 L/100km. 40 MPG → 5.88 L/100km. 50 MPG → 4.70 L/100km. Reverse: MPG = 235.215 ÷ (L/100km). Note that US gallons (3.785 L) are used. UK MPG uses imperial gallons (4.546 L): UK MPG = 282.48 ÷ (L/100km).
Proven fuel-saving techniques: 1) Maintain steady highway speeds (each mph above 50 reduces efficiency by ~1–2%). 2) Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. 3) Keep tires inflated to recommended PSI (under-inflation reduces MPG by 0.2% per PSI). 4) Remove unused roof racks and cargo carriers (increase drag by 15–25% at highway speeds). 5) Use cruise control on highways. 6) Reduce AC use in city driving (AC can reduce MPG by 5–25%). 7) Maintain regular tune-ups and air filter replacements. 8) Avoid idling for more than 60 seconds.
The break-even varies by trip length, number of passengers, and specific prices. General guideline: Under 300 miles (480 km): driving is usually cheaper and often faster (no airport time). 300–600 miles: depends on gas prices, airline fares, and number of passengers. Over 600 miles: flying is usually faster; cost depends on ticket price vs. fuel+wear on the car. For 4 passengers, the calculation heavily favors driving because airline costs multiply per person while fuel costs don't. Add $0.10–0.15/mile for vehicle wear and depreciation when calculating true drive cost.
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