Why eco-driving matters in 2026
With average fuel prices of €1.85/L diesel and €1.92/L 95-octane in 2026, saving 20% on consumption means €400–700 per year for an average driver (13,000 km/year). Over 10 years: €5,000–8,000 saved without changing vehicle.
The 10 eco-driving techniques
1. Shift up early
Shift up as soon as possible: 2,000 rpm in diesel, 2,500 rpm in petrol. The higher the gear, the lower the consumption. An engine pulling in 5th at 50 km/h uses 30% less than in 3rd.
2. Anticipate traffic
Lift off as soon as a red light is in sight, let the vehicle coast in natural deceleration. Engine braking does NOT use fuel on modern vehicles (injection cut). Gains: 5–8%.
3. Maintain a steady speed
Use cruise control on motorways. A smooth 120 km/h consumes 15% less than yo-yoing between 100 and 140 km/h.
4. Drive at 110 instead of 130 on motorways
Automatic gain of 1.5–2 L/100 km in combustion. One extra hour on Paris-Marseille, but €15–20 saved on fuel. Your call based on available time.
5. Don't overload the vehicle
Empty the boot, remove the roof box off-holiday (-10% consumption), remove unused bike racks. Each extra 100 kg = +0.5 L/100 km.
6. Check tyre pressure
Under-pressure of 0.5 bar raises consumption by 2–5%. Check monthly, including the spare. Prefer slightly above the recommended pressure (+0.2 bar).
7. Limit AC and heating
AC uses 0.3–1 L/100 km. At high speed (>70 km/h), prefer AC over open windows (better aero). In town, prefer windows.
8. Stop & start
On stops longer than 30 seconds, let the stop & start cut the engine. City savings: 5–8%. Only disable manually for very short stops.
9. Regular maintenance
Clean air filter, good spark plugs, fresh oil: -3 to -5% consumption. A clogged air filter can reduce efficiency by 10%.
10. Warm up less at startup
Start and drive gently for 2–3 minutes: the engine warms up twice as fast moving than idle. Letting the engine idle in winter is bad practice.
EV specifics
For an EV, gains are also important: maximum regeneration ("B" or "One Pedal" mode on Nissan Leaf, Tesla, Renault Mégane E-Tech), steady 110 km/h rather than 130 km/h to gain 20% range, pre-condition the cabin while charging.
The driving-school eco-driving course
Many driving schools offer 2–4 hour eco-driving courses (€80–200), 100% reimbursed by many companies as part of mobility plans. Average saving among participants: -18% consumption over 12 months.
DevisPermis.fr to find an eco-driving course
Request a quote via our platform to identify schools offering eco-driving courses in your area. Ideal for companies wanting to cut their fleet carbon footprint.
Next step
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