Eco-driving, or how to drive smart : a lever for sustainable performance in transport

In a context of strong economic, environmental, and regulatory pressure, transport companies must balance profitability, safety, and the reduction of their carbon footprint.
Eco-driving has now established itself as a concrete and measurable response to these challenges. 

STRADA – driving smart means enabling transport operators to drive better, consume less, and pollute less, through intelligent analysis of driving data. By leveraging its software and telematics tools, STRADA helps companies understand driving behaviors, objectively identify deviations, and take direct action on eco-driving, a key lever for sustainable performance. 

STRADA, driving smart through data

Eco-driving is not just about good intentions.
To be effective and sustainable, it must be based on reliable, objective, and actionable data

 

Thanks to solutions STRADA

, transport companies have access to precise indicators on:

 

• actual fuel consumption,
• energy-intensive driving phases,
• risky or inefficient behaviors,
• vehicle use while idling or in motion. 

This data enables: 

• analyzing the driving of each driver, 
• identifying areas for improvement,
• and taking concrete action through support, training, and performance management.

What is eco-driving?

Eco-driving, also called environmentally responsible driving, is based on driving that: 

• smooth,
• anticipatory,
• respectful of the vehicle and the environment,
while maintaining a high level of safety and comfort.

👉 In short: drive better to consume less and reduce your environmental impact.

 

In road transport, the stakes are high:

 

• About 30% of CO₂ emissions are linked to transport 
• Fuel accounts for up to 35% of operating costs 
• Regulatory and societal pressures are increasing 

Eco-driving thus becomes a strategic tool for energy transition and competitiveness. 

Eco-driving: a performance lever for transport companies

Adopting a structured eco-driving approach makes it possible to achieve concrete and measurable results: 

• Reduction of fuel consumption by up to 15–20% 
• Decrease in CO₂ and pollutant emissions 
• Preservation of mechanical components (brakes, tires, clutch, engine)
• Reduction of maintenance costs and unplanned downtime
• Improvement of road safety 
• Lower stress and enhanced driving comfort
• Enhancement of the company’s environmental image 

👉 Eco-driving fits fully within a framework of overall, sustainable performance driven by data. 

Best practices in eco-driving

Eco-driving is based on simple, observable, and measurable actions, made possible through STRADA tools. 

Starting and setting off

• Start without sudden acceleration 
• Avoid prolonged idling
• In winter, set off gently without warming up the engine while stationary
• Regularly check vehicle parameters (pressure, fluid levels, overall condition) 

Gear management 

• Shift gears quickly 
• ≈ 2,000 rpm (diesel) 
• ≈ 2,500 rpm (petrol) 
• Use the optimal torque range 
• Drive in the highest possible gear without losing smoothness 
• Anticipate downshifts and use the brake 

Anticipation and road awareness 

• Look ahead to anticipate traffic, signals, and slopes 
• Avoid sudden acceleration and braking 
• Maintain safe following distances 
• Ease off the accelerator to allow the vehicle to slow down naturally 
• Use GPS and telematics data to avoid congested areas 

Speed control 

• Respect speed limits, especially for heavy vehicles 
• Slightly reducing speed leads to significant savings: 
• 85 km/h instead of 90 km/h ≈ –2 L/100 km 
• 120 km/h instead of 130 km/h ≈ –1 L/100 km 
• When going downhill, use inertia and engine braking 

Responsible vehicle use 

• Check tire pressure monthly 
• Distribute the load correctly 
• Avoid unnecessary equipment on board 
• Limit equipment that increases aerodynamic drag 
• Ensure regular vehicle maintenance

The key role of the driver, supported by STRADA 

Eco-driving relies above all on human behavior: 

• Calmness and anticipation 
• Vigilance and focus 
• Compliance with traffic laws 
• Striving for the right balance between safety, comfort, and efficiency 

The company’s role is essential in supporting drivers through: 

• Eco-driving training, 
• Objective telematics tools, 
• Clear and shared indicators, 
• Internal energy performance challenges. 

STRADA solutions supporting eco-driving 

STRADATracking enables small and medium transport companies to monitor: 

• Fuel consumption per 100 km 
• Consumption while driving and idling
• Number and duration of braking events 
• Compliance with engine speed limits 
• Use of the retarder 
• A driving score out of 20, with progress charts and rankings 

STRADApilot

enables the driver to view on their smartphone:

 

• Their consumption history
• Personalized summaries 
• Clear charts to track progress independently 

 

 Conclusion 

Eco-driving is not just an ecological action.
It is a lever for sustainable performance based on three essential pillars: 

• Anticipation 
• Technical mastery 
• Responsible behavior 

With STRADA, you have the necessary data to analyze your teams’ driving and take concrete action for safer, more economical, and more environmentally friendly transport.