Color choice can impact comfort and cost more than you might think. At Berkeley Lab’s Environmental Energy Technologies Division, researchers conducted a study on the temperature differences between black and silver cars. On a typical sunny summer day in Sacramento, they tested two Honda Civics: one black, the other silver. The results were illuminating as the study revealed significant temperature variations based on color.
The findings showed that the black car reflected only 5% of sunlight compared to the silver car’s 58%. As a result, the roof of the black car became up to 45° (25° C) hotter than that of the silver car. This heat difference extended to the interior, where the cabin air near the driver’s head was about 10° (5.5° C) hotter in the black car.
When the air conditioning was engaged, the energy cost differential was notable but modest. Cooling the black car required slightly more energy, equivalent to a 2% increase in fuel consumption compared to the silver car. For every 10 gallons consumed by the black car, the silver car used only 9.8 gallons. This energy disparity is another example of what the research highlights about vehicle color impact.
For additional insights on car utilities and choices, consider exploring why to consider a Ford car and how it might impact your driving experience.
Fleet implications and industry insights from the experiment
If you live in a sunny area, selecting a lighter car may save up to 2% on fuel. This might seem minor for individuals but adds up for fleet operators. In southern and southwestern regions of the U.S., fleet vehicles are often white for this reason, as the findings indicate.
To reduce maintenance costs for vehicles in different climates, check out annual car insurance savings tips that can ease financial burdens.
Interestingly, UPS uses brown trucks, a decision rooted in history for practical reasons rather than thermal efficiency. They initially painted vehicles brown to hide dirt long before air conditioning was commonplace. Today, the test results show they incur that small 2% energy penalty as a trade-off for consistent branding.
Image: Robert Lafond, CC BY-SA 2.0
Source: core77.com
Frequently asked questions
How much hotter can a black car get than a silver car?
The roof of the black car can become up to 45° (25° C) hotter than that of the silver car.
What percentage of sunlight does a black car reflect?
The black car reflects only 5% of sunlight compared to the silver car’s 58%.
How does vehicle color impact fuel consumption?
Cooling a black car requires slightly more energy, equivalent to a 2% increase in fuel consumption compared to a silver car. For every 10 gallons consumed by the black car, the silver car uses only 9.8 gallons.