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Vehicle Fuel Efficiency
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Fuel Price
Current US average: ~$3.20-3.80/gallon (varies by region and grade)
Cost Breakdown
Total Fuel Cost
$35.00
Fuel Needed
10.00 gal
37.9 liters
Cost per Mile
$0.12
Cost per Kilometer
$0.07
How It's Calculated
Fuel Needed:
300 miles ÷ 30 MPG = 10.00 gallons
Total Cost:
10.00 gallons × $3.50/gallon = $35.00
Compare Different Distances
| Distance | Fuel | Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 miles | 1.7 gal | $5.83 | 15 kg |
| 100 miles | 3.3 gal | $11.67 | 30 kg |
| 200 miles | 6.7 gal | $23.33 | 59 kg |
| 300 miles | 10.0 gal | $35.00 | 89 kg |
| 500 miles | 16.7 gal | $58.33 | 148 kg |
| 1000 miles | 33.3 gal | $116.67 | 296 kg |
Split Cost with Passengers
Environmental Impact
CO₂ Emissions
88.9 kg
For this trip
Trees to Offset
4.2
trees/year needed
Each gallon of gasoline produces ~8.89 kg of CO₂. One tree absorbs ~21 kg of CO₂ per year.
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Quick Answer
To calculate fuel cost: divide trip distance by your MPG to get gallons needed, then multiply by price per gallon. Formula: (Distance / MPG) x Gas Price = Total Cost. For a 300-mile trip at 30 MPG with gas at 3.50 = 10 gallons x 35 total fuel cost. For round trips, double the one-way distance.
Key Facts
- Formula: Fuel Cost = (Distance / MPG) x Price per Gallon
- Average US gas price varies by region ($3-5 per gallon in 2024-2026)
- Average passenger car gets 25-30 MPG; trucks/SUVs get 15-20 MPG
- Highway driving is typically 10-15% more efficient than city driving
- Fuel efficiency drops above 50 mph (about 1% per mph over 50)
- Tire pressure affects MPG: underinflated tires reduce efficiency 3%
- A/C use can reduce fuel efficiency by 5-25%
- Diesel engines get 20-30% better mileage but diesel often costs more
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate fuel cost for a trip?
Divide your trip distance by your vehicle's MPG to get gallons needed, then multiply by fuel price. Example: 300 miles ÷ 30 MPG = 10 gallons × $3.50 = $35 total fuel cost.
What is the average fuel efficiency?
Average new car: ~28-32 MPG. Compact cars: 30-40 MPG. SUVs: 22-28 MPG. Trucks: 18-25 MPG. Hybrids: 45-55 MPG. Electric vehicles: 100+ MPGe equivalent. Older vehicles typically get lower mileage.
How do I convert MPG to L/100km?
To convert MPG to L/100km: divide 235.215 by the MPG value. Example: 30 MPG = 235.215 ÷ 30 = 7.84 L/100km. Lower L/100km is more efficient (opposite of MPG). To convert L/100km to MPG: 235.215 ÷ L/100km.
How can I improve fuel efficiency?
Maintain steady speed (use cruise control). Avoid rapid acceleration/braking. Keep tires properly inflated (can improve MPG by 3%). Remove excess weight. Keep up with maintenance (air filters, spark plugs). Avoid idling. Drive at moderate speeds (55-65 MPH optimal).
Is it cheaper to drive or fly?
Generally, driving is cheaper for trips under 300 miles or with multiple passengers. Factor in: fuel cost, wear on vehicle (~$0.20/mile), time cost, tolls, parking. A 600-mile solo trip at 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon costs ~$70 fuel alone, plus vehicle wear.