Road Conditions and Driving Patterns on Fuel Usage: Lessons from an Emerging Economy

35 Pages Posted: 16 Jan 2024

See all articles by Alberto Santos

Alberto Santos

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

Pedro Luiz B. Maia

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) - Centre for Energy and Environmental Economics (Cenergia)

Rodrigo Jacob

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

Huang Ken Wei

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

Camila Callegari

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

Ana Carolina de Oliveira Fiorini

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

Roberto Schaeffer

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) - Centre for Energy and Environmental Economics (Cenergia)

Alexandre Szklo

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) - Centre for Energy and Environmental Economics (Cenergia)

Abstract

Given its usage in freight and urban transportation, diesel supply is a major global issue. Diesel dependence and the urgency of the energy transition are normally addressed on the supply side by either expanding oil refineries or evaluating alternative fuels. Here we focus on the demand-side by examining how road pavement conditions and eco-driving practices affect diesel fuel consumption on highways. This can be particularly important in emerging countries, where road pavement is normally not well-managed and conserved. This analysis encompasses six scenarios for Brazil that vary in road conditions, driving cycles, and tire inflation states.  Findings show a significant potential for annual diesel savings, reaching 4.52 billion liters. A financial analysis indicates a positive return by the year 2037. Hence, this study emphasizes the need for a multidimensional approach to reduce fuel consumption and enhance environmental sustainability within the transportation sector of an emerging economy. While infrastructural improvements are crucial, their effectiveness is greatly amplified when paired with efforts in driver education.

Keywords: Road Pavement Conditions, Eco-driving, Fuel Consumption, Sustainable Transport Policy

Suggested Citation

Santos, Alberto and Maia, Pedro Luiz B. and Jacob, Rodrigo and Wei, Huang Ken and Callegari, Camila and Fiorini, Ana Carolina de Oliveira and Schaeffer, Roberto and Szklo, Alexandre, Road Conditions and Driving Patterns on Fuel Usage: Lessons from an Emerging Economy. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4696051 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4696051

Alberto Santos

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) ( email )

Athos da Silveira Ramos 149
Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909
Brazil

Pedro Luiz B. Maia

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) - Centre for Energy and Environmental Economics (Cenergia) ( email )

Largo de São Francisco
1, Centro
Rio de Janeiro, 22270000
Brazil

Rodrigo Jacob

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) ( email )

Athos da Silveira Ramos 149
Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909
Brazil

Huang Ken Wei

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) ( email )

Camila Callegari

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) ( email )

Athos da Silveira Ramos 149
Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909
Brazil

Ana Carolina de Oliveira Fiorini

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) ( email )

Athos da Silveira Ramos 149
Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909
Brazil

Roberto Schaeffer (Contact Author)

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) - Centre for Energy and Environmental Economics (Cenergia) ( email )

Brazil

Alexandre Szklo

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) - Centre for Energy and Environmental Economics (Cenergia) ( email )

Largo de São Francisco
1, Centro
Rio de Janeiro, 22270000
Brazil

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