Choosing a new vehicle involves numerous considerations, and understanding and being able to Compare Vehicle Fuel Economy is paramount. Fuel efficiency directly impacts your running costs and environmental footprint. This guide introduces a valuable tool – the Vehicle Cost Calculator – designed to help you assess the total cost of ownership and emissions for a wide array of vehicles, including those with alternative fuel and advanced technologies. This tool empowers you to make informed decisions by providing a clear comparison of different vehicles’ fuel economy based on your unique driving habits.
To accurately compare vehicle fuel economy, the calculator takes into account how you typically use your car. By providing details about your driving patterns, the tool refines its calculations to reflect your real-world fuel consumption more precisely. This section focuses on your normal daily usage, which forms the foundation for estimating annual fuel costs.
Normal Daily Use
To start, input your average daily driving distance in miles. This is a key factor in determining your overall fuel consumption. Next, specify the days per week and weeks per year you typically drive. Finally, indicate the percentage of highway driving you do on a daily basis. Highway driving generally results in different fuel economy compared to city driving, so this detail enhances the accuracy of the comparison. Based on these inputs, the calculator automatically determines your Annual Driving Distance, along with a breakdown of City Distance and Highway Distance.
Other Trips
Beyond your daily commute, consider other trips you take throughout the year. Enter the annual mileage for these additional trips and the percentage of highway miles these trips typically involve. Accounting for these trips provides a more comprehensive picture of your overall driving habits and fuel needs when you compare vehicle fuel economy across different models.
Electricity Use
For electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids, electricity consumption is a significant factor in running costs and environmental impact. Select your state to allow the tool to incorporate local electricity prices and calculate emissions associated with electricity generation in your region. Furthermore, indicate how often you typically plug in your vehicle during your normal daily use. Options include “Twice a day,” “Daily,” and “Every other day.” This information is crucial for accurately assessing the energy consumption and cost-effectiveness of electric and hybrid vehicles when you compare vehicle fuel economy.
E85 Ethanol Use
For flex-fuel vehicles capable of running on E85 ethanol or gasoline, specify the percentage of E85 use you anticipate. E85 fuel economy differs from gasoline, and this input helps refine the comparison for flex-fuel vehicle options.
Biodiesel Fuel Use
Similarly, for diesel vehicles that can use biodiesel blends, indicate the percentage of biodiesel use you expect. Biodiesel blends can affect fuel economy and emissions profiles, so this input ensures a more accurate comparison for diesel vehicle choices.
Disclaimer: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) provide this Vehicle Cost Calculator for informational purposes. Vehicle specifications and prices are subject to change, and data accuracy is not guaranteed. Always consult with a dealer or manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. This tool is designed to help you compare vehicle fuel economy and understand potential ownership costs based on your inputs, but it should be used as a guide and not as definitive financial advice.
