Keeping cool adds 15%
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• Running the air-conditioner in your van or truck can use as much as 15% more fuel, tests by the AA have revealed.
The AA may have done its hit in slowing down the trend towards more car-like comforts in vans by pointing out the penalties of such devices—particularly to fleet managers.
CM readers will be aware that air-conditioning affects the fuel bill, but the figures may come as something of a surprise. A small van during suburban driving will be: • 7.2% worse off at 16°C; • 9.4% worse off when running at an ambient temperature of 24°C; • 14.3% worse off when cooling fivm 29°C. At 70mph and 21°C, the same van will he 2.1% worse off.
The aim of the AA's "Fuel for Thought" campaign is that better driving habits will have a greater impact on the environment than big hikes in motoring taxation that give comparatively little return.