Hypermiling is driving or flying a vehicle with techniques that maximize fuel efficiency. Those who use these techniques are called "hypermilers".[1] In the case of cars, this is an extreme form of energy-efficient driving.

Hypermiling can be practiced in any vehicle regardless of fuel consumption. It gained popularity due to the rise in gasoline prices in the 2000s.[2] Some hypermiling techniques are illegal in some countries because they are dangerous.[3] In 2008, the New Oxford American Dictionary voted "hypermiling" the best new word of the year.[4]

Safety and awareness program

Hypermiling has come under fire from several sides because some hypermilers show dangerous or illegal behaviour,[5] such as tailgating larger vehicles on motorways to save fuel, cycling between accelerating and coasting in neutral, and even turning the engine off when its power is not needed.[6] For this reason, the Hypermiling Safety Foundation was established in August 2008 to promote a safety and education program that promotes legal fuel-saving techniques.

Hypermiling techniques with gas-powered cars

There are various techniques used by gas-powered car driving hypermilers that help increase their gas mileage.

Techniques that can be used to minimize fuel consumption while driving include:

  • Avoiding unnecessary braking and acceleration
  • Maintain a lower, steady speed in the highest gear at a low RPM
  • Shift up gears as early as possible
  • Avoid idling
  • Utilizing cruise control
  • Use air conditioning and electric equipment sparingly
  • Keep windows closed to reduce drag[7]


Techniques that can be used to minimize fuel consumption before driving include:

  • Planning to avoid traffic congestion
  • Monitoring energy efficient tires & inflation using TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system)
  • Adjusting aerodynamics devices
  • Avoid overfilling the fuel tank
  • Keep up on proper and timely maintenance[7]


Additionally, carrying the least amount of weight possible will aid in less fuel consumed. Things like golf clubs, tool boxes, strollers etc. can add unnecessary weight to the vehicle.[8] Even wearing thin-soled shoes can aid in reducing fuel consumption; thinner soles can result in increased sensitivity to the gas pedal. [8]

Additionally, a technique that has been a subject to controversy is that of drafting. This involves driving close to or slipstreaming behind the car in front, potentially saving 40% of fuel. Drafting can save energy by using the car ahead to push air out of the way. This technique is subject to controversy due to the reduction in visibility and the risk of not being able to brake fast enough if the car in front stops.[9]

Hypermiling with electric cars

The range of electric cars is limited. To get the most out of the battery, drivers sometimes use hypermiling techniques.[10] Some aim to set a record for most mileage from a single charge. For example, a Tesla Model 3 ran more than 1000 km with one battery charge. The average speed was 38 km/h and the whole drive took around 30 hours. The tester used the autopilot of Tesla Model 3, running the car unmanned. The test car did not drive on a public road.[11]

Hypermiling with aircraft

There have been several aircraft hypermiling competitions held throughout the years, such the FuelVenture and CAFE challenges.[12] Klaus Savier won the 2009 Fuelventure 400 in a VariEze aircraft which got 45 mpg‑US (5.2 L/100 km; 54 mpg‑imp) at 207 mph (333 km/h) with a modified Continental O-200 engine upgraded with a computerized fuel injection and ignition system by Light Speed Engineering.[13] By slowing to extend range, mileage approaches 100 mpg‑US (2.4 L/100 km; 120 mpg‑imp).[14]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "EERE News: Progressive Automotive X Prize ["&"]2974 if collapse than = "at" break patta is without stain and efficient with fuelExpanded to Include Major Automakers". Apps1.eere.energy.gov. Archived from the original on 2011-03-07. Retrieved 2011-05-28.
  2. ↑ Booth, Michael (2010-09-14). "Hypermilers stretch their gas mileage". The Denver Post. Retrieved 2011-05-28.
  3. ↑ "'Hypermiling' tricks sometimes unlawful". Tulsa World. Archived from the original on 2012-10-07. Retrieved 2011-05-28.
  4. ↑ Moscrip, Lara (2008-11-11). "Word of the year: 'Hypermiling'". Money.cnn.com. Retrieved 2011-05-28.
  5. ↑ "Motorists risking their lives to save on petrol". Smh.com.au. 2008-08-23. Retrieved 2011-05-28.
  6. ↑ CNET (2014-11-11). "How To: Hypermile and get great gas mileage". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
  7. 1 2 Momčilović, Vladimir; Dimitrijević, Branka; Stokić, Marko (25 May 2017). "Eco-Driving -- Potentials and Opportunities Within Green Logisitics" (PDF). LOGIC.
  8. 1 2 "Hypermiling Techniques". Hypermiler.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-11-01.
  9. ↑ "Gale - Product Login". galeapps.gale.com. Retrieved 2023-11-01.
  10. ↑ What's Electric Vehicle Hypermiling?
  11. ↑ Tesla Model 3 unmanned on Autopilot travels 1,000 km on a single charge in new hypermiling record
  12. ↑ "CAFE Foundation Website". Archived from the original on 2022-04-26. Retrieved 2019-06-05.
  13. ↑ Light Speed Engineering
  14. ↑ Wired (2009-11-02). "45MPG at 207MPH". Wired. Retrieved 2019-06-03.
  • The dictionary definition of hypermiling at Wiktionary
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