Pain at the Pump: How to Save on Fuel | M6 | 66 minutes

It’s the bad news of the back-to-school season: diesel above €2.30 a liter, unleaded over €2.10. With no end in sight to the conflict in the Middle East, prices at the pump are hitting records the French could have done without.
As a result, everyone who relies on their car to get around is having to count every cent and find ways to cut costs.

Kévin, an IT consultant, has made a radical choice: he’s trading in his gas-powered car for a used electric one. It costs him three times less for the same mileage. This weekend, during manufacturers’ open days, dealers are expecting a rush on electric vehicles and offering tempting deals to win over hesitant drivers. But not everyone can afford a new car, so some companies are paying for eco-driving courses to help employees cut their fuel consumption by 10 to 15%. Other options include easing off the accelerator, converting a car to run on ethanol with a €1,000 kit, or leaving the car at home and switching to public transport, even if it means a longer commute…

These days, people will try anything to save a few dozen euros.