5 easy ways to save gas or EV charge (plus the planet) NBC Bay Area [Video]

The next couple paragraphs might feel like driver’s ed. But the lessons will be worth it — to save yourself some money.

The U.S. Energy Department says aggressive drivers — who floor it and brake hard — waste as much as 40% of their fuel efficiency.

“It’s best to not try to drive like me when I was 16,” said Joseph Yoon, who researches cars for the automotive website Edmunds.com. He says taking it easy on the road will go easy on your wallet. 

“Driving smoothly will help you the most,” Yoon explained. His advice works for gas-powered cars as well as electric vehicles.  

Even Tesla, which made headlines rolling out its lurching, rollercoaster-style “insane” and “ludicrous” modes, agrees on taking it easy. The Tesla Model Y manual tells owners this: “to achieve maximum range, slow down your driving and avoid frequent and rapid acceleration.” 

That goes for city streets and highways. 

Uncle Sam recommends a speed limit sweet spot for highway maximum mileage: 50 …