If you’ve noticed more people talking about how they drive their car lately, you’re not alone. In fact, Google searches for "Eco driving" shot up by 194% in 2025* compared to the previous year.

With fuel prices always on the move, drivers across Ireland are looking for ways to make a tank go further. At Radius, we know that whether you’re running a small van or a large fleet, every cent counts.

What is eco-driving?

Put simply, eco-driving is a way of driving that’s smarter, smoother, and safer. It isn't about driving at a snail’s pace; it’s about making decisions behind the wheel that help your engine work less.

By changing a few small habits, you can cut down on your fuel bills and reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle.

Which actions contribute to eco-driving?

You don’t need a brand-new electric car to start saving. Here are six key actions you can take on your next trip to drive more efficiently:

• Use cruise control: On the motorway, cruise control helps you keep a steady pace. This stops those small, accidental speed-ups that waste fuel.

Radius expert Kerry Fawcett explains: “On flat, steady motorway journeys, using cruise control can improve fuel efficiency by around 14%, saving drivers around €1.60 to €2.10** in fuel for every hour of driving.”

• Watch your speed: Driving at 100km/h instead of 120km/h can make a massive difference to your fuel consumption without adding much time to your journey.
• Easy on the pedals: Avoid abrupt starts and slamming on the brakes. Smooth acceleration and slowing down gradually is much kinder to your pocket.
• Stop the idling: If you’re waiting for more than a minute, maybe at a passenger drop-off or a delivery, turn the engine off. An idling engine is just burning money.
• Stay in the right gear: Don’t let the engine labour. Shifting up early (usually around 2,000 RPM) keeps the revs low and the efficiency high.
• Go easy on the air con: Your air conditioning uses engine power. Unless it’s a rare scorching day in Ireland, try using the vents or opening a window at lower speeds instead.

Don't forget vehicle health

Eco-driving isn't just about how you move; it's about what you’re driving. A car that isn't well-maintained has to work harder, which means it drinks more fuel.

• Check your tyre pressure: Under-inflated tyres create more "drag" on the road. Keeping them at the right PSI can improve fuel mileage by up to 3%.
• Clear out the boot: Carrying around heavy tools or equipment you don't need makes the engine work harder. If you don't need it for today's job, leave it at home.

“Regular vehicle maintenance also plays a big role. By keeping tyres properly inflated, checking wheel alignment, and using eco-driving modes, you’ll improve fuel efficiency. Even simple steps like removing unnecessary weight from your car or planning your route to avoid heavy traffic can save fuel and reduce costs.” Kerry adds.

The benefits of choosing to eco-drive

Eco-driving isn't just a nice idea—it delivers real results for your wallet. According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), adopting a less aggressive, energy-conscious driving style can save you as much as 10% on your fuel costs.

Think of it this way: if you’re spending €80 to fill your tank, these simple actions could put €8 back in your pocket every single time you visit the forecourt. Over a year, that adds up to a tidy sum!

How Radius helps you bridge the gap

Knowing how to drive efficiently is one thing, but for a busy fleet manager, making sure it actually happens across ten or twenty vehicles is the real challenge. This is where Radius comes in.

Our Kinesis telematics system helps you turn these eco-driving tips into a measurable business strategy:

• Driver scoring: Our telematics gives you a clear report on idling, harsh braking, and speeding, so you can see exactly which actions are costing you money.
• Fuel card integration: By pairing our telematics with a Radius fuel card, you get a full 360-degree view of your spend versus your mileage.
• Constructive coaching: Instead of guessing, you can use real data to reward your most efficient drivers and provide a bit of extra training where it's needed most.

By combining smarter driving habits with the right technology, you’re not just hoping for lower costs, you’re actively managing them.