Fuel Savers: Eco-Driving Gadgets for your Automobile
According to a recent report from iSuppli, U.S. automakers are falling behind foreign suppliers in the manufacturing of eco-friendly electronics for cars. While it is a shame that our country is behind the curve in this area, it is comforting to know that our options for ecologically friendly, fuel-saving driving have expanded beyond the hybrid car. And let’s not forget - this isn’t the first time foreign carmakers have been ahead of the Americans in the realm of fuel economy. Remember the Toyoto Prius?
I’m sure the automakers in Detroit will eventually catch up on the latest technological advances to meet the demands of the American consumer. But until they do, here is a glimpse into some of the latest options their foreign counterparts are bringing to the market place:
Better Gas Mileage Tools:
- The 2009 Kia Lotze is the first domestic vehicle in South Korea to feature an eco-driving system on the instrument cluster that color-codes driving patterns to help drivers get better gas mileage. This system is similar to the solution from Japanese OEMs, such as Nissan and Honda.
- The new-generation Honda Accord features an eco-driving system with an eco-lamp on its instrument cluster. The engine’s Engine Control Unit (ECU) calculates the Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) information, variable cylinder information and torque-for-MPG information, and the eco-lamp turns on when the vehicle is in its most fuel-efficient mode.
- Nissan just recently debuted the Eco Pedal, the world’s first system to actively monitor fuel consumption and encourage more efficient acceleration by adjusting back pressure on the accelerator pedal (See Craig’s HyperMiling posting).
Instruments That Monitor Your Driving Habits:
- The Fiat Blue&Me-based system records the consumption and emissions of each trip taken. The data then is recorded on a USB pen drive and can be analyzed on a home PC via EcoDrive software that conveys detailed information on the performance of the car, including carbon dioxide emission levels. After analyzing the driver’s style, the software generates recommendations on how to modify that style to achieve carbon reductions.
- Audi has a new application that allows drivers to choose not only the fastest or shortest route but also the most fuel-efficient path. According to Audi officials, by avoiding upward slopes, city streets and stoplights as much as possible, overall gas consumption can be lowered by up to 5 percent. Audi recently announced that this feature will first be built into the navigation system of its next-generation Multimedia Interface (MMI) slated for the A8, A6, and Q5.
In the mean time, before you run out and trade your car in for the latest eco-technologically advanced automobile, check out some simple driving and car maintenance tips from EcoDrivingUSA.org to start reducing fuel and carbon emissions today.
