Eco-driving

The car: a polluting tool

Road transport accounts for around 28% of CO2 emissions in France, more than half of which comes from private cars. It is the most polluting sector, ahead of construction, agriculture and industry. Beyond CO2, vehicles emit other pollutants (fine particles, nitrogen oxides) and generate significant noise pollution.

Eco-driving: up to 40% savings

Eco-driving is a set of behaviours that simultaneously reduce fuel consumption, pollution, noise and accident risk. By changing your driving style, you can cut your fuel consumption by up to 40% compared with aggressive driving.

Driving smoothly

Avoid sudden acceleration and braking. Pull away gently and slow down gradually. Acceleration phases consume the most fuel. Cruise control helps maintain a steady speed and reduces consumption.

Drive in the highest gear possible: first gear uses the most fuel. For a petrol engine, change gear at around 2,000 rpm; for diesel, at around 1,500 rpm. The rev counter is your best ally for eco-driving.

Maintain safe following distances: this prevents chain acceleration and braking. Anticipate red lights by gradually slowing in third gear rather than immediately dropping to second.

Speed: the main cause of excess consumption

The faster you drive, the greater the air resistance and the more fuel you use. As a rough guide, each 10 km/h reduction saves about 1 litre per 100 km at high speeds. Driving at the maximum permitted speed almost never saves time, especially in town.

The engine and stops

Switch off the engine during stops of more than one minute (traffic jams, level crossings). Never warm up the engine while stationary before setting off: only driving allows the engine to reach its operating temperature. Drive gently for the first 4 kilometres, as this is when the engine consumes and pollutes the most.

Maintenance and equipment

A poorly maintained vehicle can use up to 25% more fuel. Check tyre pressures (under-inflation increases consumption by 8%). Change filters (air, fuel) and spark plugs regularly. Use air conditioning sparingly: it increases consumption by 25 to 30% in town.

Remove unnecessary loads and empty roof racks. Items on the roof increase air resistance. Prefer a rear-mounted bike rack to a roof-mounted one.

The Crit'Air sticker and low-emission zones (ZFE)

The Crit'Air sticker (air quality certificate) classifies vehicles into 6 levels, from 0 (electric, least polluting) to 5 (highly polluting). It is mandatory for driving in low-emission mobility zones (ZFE) established by certain urban areas (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, etc.), and during differential traffic episodes decided by the prefect.

The most polluting vehicles (Crit'Air 4 and 5) are being progressively banned from ZFEs. During pollution peaks, the prefect may also reduce the maximum permitted speed: exceeding this limit is a 3rd-class offence (68 euros).