High gas prices continue to put pressure on small businesses across the U.S., but breaking one costly habit can help owners save significantly.
New data from Ford Pro, the commercial vehicle division of Ford Motor Company, shows that unnecessary idling – leaving a car running while parked – can cost fleet operators thousands of dollars annually, directly cutting into margins at a time when fuel prices remain high.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average fleet sits between one and two hours per day, using up to two gallons of fuel per vehicle per day. With gas prices rising, these costs can quickly add up.
On Sunday, the national average price for unleaded gas was $4.04, up from $3.88 a month ago. to AAA.
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Ford Motor Co. F-150 pickup trucks are on display at a car dealership in Orland Park, Illinois, on September 27, 2019. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
For companies that operate multiple vehicles, the impact can be significant. According to Ford Pro, a fleet of 20 vehicles idling for two hours a day can waste more than $160 in fuel every day.
Excessive idling is especially common in North America, where about 29% of vehicles idle unnecessarily, compared to just 10% in Europe, Krukin noted.
To address this issue, Ford Pro is investing in software and data-driven tools.
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A person pumps gasoline into a car. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images/Getty Images)
It was recently launched artificial intelligence With the (AI) assistant, fleet managers can monitor vehicle behavior in real time, identify inefficiencies and coach drivers to adopt more fuel-efficient habits.
Ford Pro says customers using these tools have seen measurable improvements, including a 52% reduction in idling.
While reducing idling is one of the simplest ways to cut costs, other driving behaviors – such as aggressive acceleration, rapid braking and speeding – can also increase fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear, according to Krukin.
The system can even limit acceleration, while in-cab warnings provide real-time feedback.
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Cars are seen driving on the highway. (Jonas Walzberg/Photo Alliance via Getty Images/Getty Images)
“It’s like the fleet manager is right next to them coaching them along the way,” Krukin said.
Users have also seen a 25% reduction in speed, a 16% reduction in hard braking and an 11% reduction in hard acceleration, according to Ford Pro.
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“We don’t just recommend solutions for fun,” Krukin said. “…Ultimately, it’s about bringing everything together so that these fleets actually get an enjoyable experience with the tools and technology brought together.”
