Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Going too slow is definitely inefficient for non-hybrid cars and trucks, but the optimal speed for most vehicles is certainly not higher than 55 MPH.

Average fuel economy for cars and light trucks decreases 12% going from 50 to 60 MPH: https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/fact-982-june-19-2017-s...

Heavy trucks are the exception, they are typically designed for an operating point of 65 MPH. However, there are huge losses above that speed. No reason for a heavy truck to be going 70 or 75 MPH.

The American Trucking Association actually endorses a nation 65 MPH speed limit for trucks, which they say would save 280 million gallons of diesel per year: https://www.fleetowner.com/emissions-efficiency/article/2166...



Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: