Fuel consumption refers to the amount of fuel a vehicle or engine uses to cover a specific distance or over a given period. It is a key metric for assessing a vehicle’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness[1]. Fuel consumption is typically measured in litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km) in many countries using the metric system, or miles per gallon (mpg) in the imperial system[2][3][7]. A lower fuel consumption value means the vehicle is more efficient, as it uses less fuel to travel the same distance[5].
To calculate fuel consumption, you divide the total fuel used by the distance travelled. For example, if a car uses 15 litres of fuel to travel 200 kilometres, the fuel consumption is 7.5 L/100km[1].
It is important to note the difference between fuel consumption and fuel efficiency:
- Fuel consumption: The actual amount of fuel used to cover a distance. Lower numbers indicate better efficiency.
- Fuel efficiency: How far a vehicle can travel on a specific amount of fuel. Higher numbers (distance per fuel unit) mean greater efficiency[3][5].
Factors influencing fuel consumption include vehicle or engine design, driving habits, fuel type, and maintenance practices[1]. Regular maintenance, efficient driving techniques, and using vehicles with optimized designs can all help reduce fuel consumption[1].