Most Fuel-Efficient Delivery Vehicles and How to Save Money

By RAM Tracking on 30 Jul 2025

Running a delivery business means watching every penny. Fuel costs can eat into your profits fast. But the right vehicle choices and smart driving habits can transform your bottom line. 

In this guide, we break down the best delivery vehicles for fuel economy and share proven ways to save money on fuel. 

Why Fuel Efficiency Matters for Your Business 

Every mile your drivers cover costs money. With fuel prices constantly rising, choosing efficient vehicles isn't just smart, it's essential for survival. 

Small delivery businesses often struggle with rising operational costs, so fuel efficiency can be the difference between profit and loss. The right vehicle can save you thousands each year. 

Top Fuel-Efficient Delivery Vehicles 

Small Package Delivery 

Toyota Prius - Leads the pack with up to 58 mpg combined. Perfect for courier services and small parcel delivery. Low running costs make it ideal for urban routes. 

Honda Civic - Offers excellent reliability with 40+ mpg. With more boot space than the Prius, it’s versatile for different delivery needs. 

Nissan Versa - Provides great value with 35+ mpg. Affordable to buy and cheap to run. 

Larger Delivery Needs 

Ford Transit Connect - Delivers 28 mpg whilst offering proper cargo space. Perfect for businesses needing more capacity without sacrificing efficiency. 

Ram ProMaster City - Achieves similar economy with excellent manoeuvrability in tight spaces. 

Smart Ways to Cut Fuel Costs 

Route Optimisation 

Poor route planning wastes fuel and time. Modern fleet tracking solutions help you plan efficient routes. Real-time GPS tracking shows you exactly where vehicles are. 

Drivers often take longer routes without realising. Smart scheduling reduces unnecessary mileage. Every mile saved means money in your pocket. 

Driver Behaviour Monitoring 

Aggressive acceleration and heavy braking can increase fuel consumption by 30%. 

Driver behaviour monitoring helps identify poor driving habits and regular feedback helps break them. By training your team to drive smarter, you can lower your fuel bills. 

Vehicle Maintenance 

Well-maintained vehicles run more efficiently, and regular servicing prevents fuel-wasting problems. Simple checks make a big difference: 

  • Keep tyres properly inflated 

  • Change air filters regularly 

  • Use the right engine oil 

  • Fix problems quickly 

Using our digital vehicle checks makes maintenance scheduling simple. With RAM Tracking, you’ll also receive automated service and MOT reminders which can prevent costly breakdowns. 

Fuel Card Benefits 

Business fuel cards offer real savings that quickly add up for delivery fleets. With RAM Tracking, you get guaranteed savings of 5p or 10p per litre at BP stations across the UK, depending on package chosen. That's substantial money back in your business.  

You'll also save time on admin since all transactions appear on a single HMRC-approved invoice, keeping your expense tracking simple and compliant. 

Technology Solutions That Save Money 

Real-Time Tracking 

GPS vehicle tracking systems eliminate wasted miles by showing you exactly where your fleet is at all times. When integrated with job management systems, dispatchers can automatically assign drivers to the nearest available job, cutting unnecessary travel and fuel costs.  

You'll also boost customer satisfaction by providing accurate arrival times, and happy customers mean repeat business. 

Idle Time Monitoring 

Vehicles idling waste fuel and money. Fortunately, modern tracking systems alert you to excessive idling, helping you reduce costs. 

Simple driver training eliminates unnecessary idling. Every minute you save directly reduces your fuel bill.  

Automated Reporting 

Manual fuel tracking takes time and often misses details. Automated reporting systems provide accurate fuel consumption data, so you can see which vehicles have the highest operating costs. This data lets you make decisions about future vehicle purchases and helps you replace inefficient vehicles before they impact your bottom line. 

Calculating Your Savings 

Work out potential savings before making changes: 

  • Current average mpg across your fleet 

  • Monthly fuel costs per vehicle 

  • Potential improvement with efficient vehicles 

  • Annual savings projection 

Small improvements will make a big difference over time. A 5 mpg improvement on a high-mileage vehicle saves hundreds yearly. 

Making the Right Choice 

Consider your specific needs: 

  • Delivery area size and type 

  • Package sizes and weights 

  • Daily mileage requirements 

  • Budget constraints 

The most efficient vehicle isn't always the cheapest to buy. Calculate total cost of ownership including fuel, maintenance, and depreciation. 

Start Saving Today 

Fuel efficiency improvements don't require massive investment. Simple changes deliver immediate results: 

  1. Train your drivers on efficient driving techniques 

  1. Implement basic route planning 

  1. Monitor vehicle maintenance schedules 

  1. Track fuel consumption regularly 

Contact our team to discuss how fleet management technology can reduce your fuel costs. Our solutions help businesses save thousands annually through better vehicle utilisation and driver management. 

Smart businesses invest in efficiency. Every pound saved on fuel goes straight to your bottom line, so start making those savings today. 

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