The benefits of eco-driving for the fleet management business

Understanding eco-driving benefits and how it can empower one’s business operations starts with understanding the concept of eco-driving itself. Eco-driving is a comprehensive approach to driving that incorporates specific techniques aimed at improving fuel efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing road safety. Practices such as maintaining steady speeds, anticipating traffic, and minimizing aggressive driving behaviors lead to lower fuel consumption, fewer emissions, and reduced accident risks.

Besides being highly beneficial for the environment, affected by the rising threats of rapid climate change, adopting eco-driving practices translates directly into cost savings. Fleet management businesses are increasingly turning to eco-driving to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. Eco-driving benefits are vast, impacting everything from fuel costs to fleet safety. Understanding “green driving” is essential for any business owner looking to make substantial improvements in their fleet operations.

In this article, we take a closer look at the key advantages of eco-driving and how it positively impacts fuel consumption, road safety, and environmental sustainability. We also explore the main practices that define eco-driving and the ways of integrating them into your daily operations.

The core benefits of eco-driving practices for fleet management

By adopting eco-friendly driving habits, businesses can enjoy numerous advantages:

1. Cost reduction: Possibly the first of eco-driving benefits that comes to mind is cost savings. Fleet managers can achieve considerable fuel savings by adopting eco-driving techniques such as smooth acceleration and deceleration, maintaining a steady speed, utilizing cruise control, and avoiding excessive idling. One of Wialon's case studies perfectly illustrates this point. One of our partners, MaliaTec, successfully implemented a driver behavior monitoring solution for the biggest fuel delivery company in Lebanon. This resulted in an impressive 23% reduction in overall fuel costs during the first six months of using the solution. 
2. Enhanced safety: Road safety is a critical concern in fleet management, and eco-friendly driving directly contributes to safer driving practices. Techniques such as maintaining a safe following distance, anticipating traffic flow, and avoiding aggressive driving behaviors help significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents. Eco-driving encourages a more attentive and responsible driving style, which can lead to fewer incidents and a safer working environment for drivers. A notable example comes from our partner and telematics service provider in Jordan, who developed a comprehensive driver behavior monitoring system based on Wialon and its Eco Driving solution for a fuel delivery company. The implemented solution achieved remarkable results, including a 90% reduction in overspeeding, an 85% decrease in harsh driving events such as sudden braking, and significant fleet-wide savings. These savings were driven by fewer accidents, reduced cargo losses, and minimized overspeeding fines. This demonstrates how eco-friendly driving not only protects employees but also has a positive impact on cost management.
3. Improved driver well-being: The previous point about enhanced safety directly leads to the positive effects of eco-driving on the drivers themselves. Eco-driving promotes a smoother and less stressful driving experience, reducing driver fatigue and improving overall job satisfaction. A more content and less stressed driver is likely to be more productive and motivated, leading to better overall performance.
4. Environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance: Implementing eco-driving practices helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants released into the environment by a company’s fleet. This not only benefits the planet but also helps businesses comply with regulations related to emissions and fuel efficiency. By staying ahead of regulatory requirements, companies can avoid fines and penalties, protect their reputation, and gain a competitive edge in the market. Proactively adopting eco-driving not only ensures compliance but also positions the company as a leader in sustainability and innovation.
   

A brief look at the numbers: Eco-driving impact on fuel consumption

Even though the aforementioned general summarization of the eco-driving benefits is already impressive enough, we invite you to dive deeper and examine some statistical findings. 

Growing interest in eco-driving has led to numerous studies exploring the impact of these techniques on fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. A significant body of research indicates the positive impact on fuel consumption measured as a result of implementing eco-driving techniques to be somewhere between 5% and 20%. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of this impact, let's examine a couple of relevant studies.

In the previous section, we highlighted examples from the Wialon Use cases library. Wialon solutions are typically comprehensive, where eco-driving plays a significant role but usually serves as one of the many elements of a broader system. To emphasize the specific benefits and impact of eco-driving, this section references several independent studies that focus exclusively on its effects.

In the eco-driving effect test project carried out for a Spanish garbage truck company, 67 trucks with installed driving assistance devices were monitored for a year. The results showed an average fuel consumption reduction of 7.45% throughout the year. Similarly, in Serbia, the "JGSP Belgrade" eco-driving pilot program trained 13 bus drivers to observe eco-driving practices, resulting in an 8.61% reduction in fuel consumption over a short period.

Employing green driving habits has a noticeable impact on fuel consumption.

This percentage will be even higher for those drivers who tend to be extremely wasteful with their fuel, as suggests another Serbian study. The researchers selected three drivers (extremely cost-aware, moderately cost-aware, extreme fuel consumer) to receive eco-driving training, and their average fuel consumption decreased by 10.2%. However, for the least cost-aware driver, the consumption was reduced by an impressive 20.4%. 

Note that these figures may vary slightly depending on several factors, such as traffic density in the area, weather conditions, and drivers’ initial road behavior before adopting eco-friendly driving habits. 

From short-term gains to lasting impact: The importance of real-time eco-driving monitoring

As previously mentioned, several factors can influence the success of implementing eco-driving practices. One key factor is the human element — the natural tendency for individuals to gradually revert to their original driving habits over time. While a one-time eco-driving training session may yield initial results, its impact often diminishes over the long term.

To address this challenge, regular reminders about the importance of eco-driving can help reinforce positive behaviors. However, a more effective and convenient approach is to utilize real-time monitoring and feedback on driving habits through on-board devices connected to fleet management software, such as Wialon. This enables continuous improvement and helps sustain the benefits of eco-driving practices over time.

One of our case studies highlights an Eco Driving solution developed by our partner for an international cargo transportation company based in Poland. The company faced challenges such as high fuel consumption and increased wear of brake pads and discs on its trucks and trailers. Further investigation revealed that the root of the problem lay in inconsistent driver behavior. Drivers were either not using cruise control or poorly assessing road conditions, resulting in unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. To address these issues and ensure a lasting positive impact, the company’s fleet was equipped with GPS trackers configured to collect Eco Driving data and transmit it to Wialon for further driver behavior evaluation.

As a result of implementing this solution, the company achieved significant and stable improvements that directly impacted operational costs: an average reduction in fuel consumption of 5 liters per 100 km and a decrease in brake disc wear to just 0.7 mm per 100,000 km.

Does “Eco” mean “safe”?

Eco-driving is a key contributor to enhanced road safety. By promoting smoother and more responsible driving habits, eco-driving reduces the likelihood of accidents, making the roads safer for everyone. The first to benefit from these practices are the drivers themselves, as they experience fewer incidents and enjoy an overall improved driving experience.

A stress-free driver means fewer accidents and greater efficiency.

The financial advantages of eco-driving impact on safety are clear. Fewer accidents mean lower repair costs, reduced insurance premiums, and fewer fines for traffic violations. For fleet managers, this translates into predictable operations and minimized vehicle downtime, directly impacting overall expenses.

Beyond these benefits, eco safe driving also significantly decreases the risk of severe accidents involving hazardous materials, such as fuel or chemicals. Just a single accident involving fuel spill in a densely forested region can cause irreparable harm to both people and the environment. Preventing such disasters not only enhances safety but also reinforces a commitment to sustainability.

A win-win scenario: Benefits for environment, public health, and businesses

The transportation industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, making it a key focus in the fight against climate change. Eco-driving offers a tangible solution to address these challenges. By adopting eco-driving practices, businesses can significantly reduce their environmental footprint, actively contributing to climate protection while also improving public health by lowering air pollution.

It is worth noting that the benefits of eco-driving extend far beyond environmental responsibility. Implementing these techniques demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, an increasingly vital factor in today’s competitive market. Reducing emissions not only helps businesses align with climate regulations but also enhances their eco-friendly image, which resonates with customers and stakeholders alike. Staying compliant with evolving environmental policies ensures businesses remain ahead of the curve, avoiding potential penalties while solidifying their reputation as industry leaders in sustainability.

Eco-driving benefits extend to the bottom line as well. Reducing fuel consumption directly translates into cost savings, helping businesses manage expenses effectively. By driving greener and adopting eco-friendly driving habits, companies can simultaneously protect the environment and enhance their operational efficiency.

Green driving helps keep your vehicles in shape

Eco-driving not only benefits drivers and the environment but also helps keep vehicles in top condition. By adopting green driving habits, companies can extend the lifespan of their fleets. Vehicles that are consistently driven with care experience less strain, leading to a reduced wear and tear on critical components such as brakes, tires, and engines. Over time, these practices result in significant savings on maintenance and repair costs. Additionally, well-maintained vehicles tend to have a higher resale value, providing an added financial incentive for businesses to encourage eco-safe driving.

The benefits don’t stop there. Regular vehicle maintenance, such as checking tire pressure and ensuring optimal engine performance, further enhances fuel efficiency and reduces operational costs. With proper care and eco-friendly driving habits, businesses can maximize the value of their fleet investments while minimizing their environmental impact.

A combination of eco-driving practices and regular vehicle maintenance can significantly lower operational costs.

Eco-driving: How-to

One of the main eco-driving strategies revolves around a rule-based approach to driving behavior. Rule-based eco-driving approach focuses on driving techniques developed through practical experience, road experiments, and theoretical insights. Vehicle operation is generally categorized into four key modes: acceleration, deceleration, cruising, and idling.

Rule-based eco-driving approach

Smooth driving allows the vehicle to transition more effectively between different operating conditions. Aggressive acceleration and sudden braking both negatively affect energy efficiency. During hard acceleration, the rapid increase in fuel supply can lead to incomplete combustion, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Additionally, the frequency and intensity of acceleration and deceleration contribute to an overall increase in fuel usage.

This also applies to electric vehicles — both sudden acceleration and rapid braking consume more energy. While most EVs now feature regenerative braking, which converts braking friction back into energy, you will still lose more energy than you recover when using the brake pedal.

Shifting to a higher gear as early as possible increases the engine's load rate and helps maintain the engine speed within its most efficient range. Selecting the appropriate shift point, typically between 2,000 and 2,500 r/min, and driving in the highest gear are effective strategies for reducing fuel consumption in conventional vehicles. Naturally, this practice is not relevant for EVs or ICE vehicles with automatic transmissions.

Maintaining a consistent speed not only enhances fuel efficiency but also reduces wear and tear on vehicle components. For internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the optimal speed range for achieving maximum fuel efficiency is typically between 60 and 90 km/h. In contrast, the high-efficiency speed range of electric motors is lower than that of ICEs, meaning the most efficient operating speed for electric vehicles (EVs) is generally lower. EVs achieve their optimal energy consumption per kilometer at speeds between 40 and 60 km/h. These values may vary depending on factors such as terrain, weather conditions, and vehicle load. 

In some of these conditions, focusing on the optimal speed may not be practical for most tasks. Therefore, the key consideration should not be the exact figures but the stability of the cruising speed. Thus, maintaining a steady speed of 90 km/h in an electric vehicle remains more energy-efficient than frequent acceleration and deceleration, even if it falls outside the calculated "optimal" range.

Reducing idling time is another effective way to save fuel and reduce emissions. If a vehicle is idling for more than 30 seconds, it is recommended that the driver turn off the engine, as restarting it uses less fuel than allowing it to idle. 

While idling in an electric vehicle consumes significantly less energy and produces no toxic emissions, it still drains the battery, albeit at a very slow rate. Therefore, it may still be a good practice to turn off the vehicle to conserve energy if you expect a long idling period.

Regular vehicle maintenance also plays an important role in eco-friendly driving. Checking tire pressure, replacing filters, and ensuring the engine is running efficiently are all essential steps in maximizing performance while reducing fuel consumption. 

For EVs, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for battery usage and maintenance. For example, charging the battery to 80% instead of a full 100% can help extend its lifespan. Such small but important steps can make a significant difference in both environmental and financial outcomes.

By implementing these green driving habits, businesses can effectively address environmental challenges, lower operational costs, and promote sustainability.

Conclusion

Eco-driving offers a holistic approach to modern transportation challenges by addressing environmental, economic, and safety concerns. By adopting eco-driving practices, businesses can significantly reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and operational costs while fostering a safer and more sustainable driving culture. The benefits extend beyond financial gains, contributing to enhanced driver well-being, improved fleet longevity, and compliance with increasingly stringent climate regulations. Through consistent training, real-time monitoring, and ongoing maintenance, companies can ensure lasting positive results. Eco-driving is more than just a technique — it’s a strategic investment in the future of efficient, sustainable, and responsible transportation.