Impact of Multi-Dimensional Features on Fuel Consumption Considering the Heterogeneous Effects of Road Characteristics

Abstract

Analyzing the influencing factors of fuel consumption helps to formulate reasonable energy-saving measures to reduce the fuel consumption. This paper examines the influence of multi-dimensional features on fuel consumption. Then, fuel consumption under different road characteristics is modeled based on correlation analysis and multiple linear regression methods. Finally, the heterogeneous effects of road characteristics on fuel consumption are analyzed by comparing different models. The result shows significant differences in the influencing factors of fuel consumption under different road characteristics. In addition, the same factor has different effects on fuel consumption under different road characteristics. Driving experience positively affects fuel consumption at intersections and two-way four-lane roads; in contrast, there is a negative effect in two-way six-lane roads. Drivers who agree that “we will experience a major ecological catastrophe if things continue on their present course” have lower fuel consumption at intersections and higher on two-way four-lane and six-lane roads. Higher acceleration leads to higher fuel consumption at intersections and lower fuel consumption at two-way four-lane and six-lane roads. Traffic congestion leads to reduced fuel consumption at intersections and two-way four-lane roads and increased fuel consumption at two-way six-lane roads. These results reveal the heterogeneous effects of road characteristics on fuel consumption, which are helpful in analyzing the influence mechanism of fuel consumption and provide a reference for formulating reasonable measures of energy conservation and emission reduction.