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Nissan
has unveiled
the ECO Pedal designed to assist
drivers to become more
fuel-efficient. When the
eco-pedal system is on, each
time the driver steps on the
accelerator, a counter push-back
control mechanism is activated
if the system detects excess
pressure, helping to inform the
driver that they could be using
more fuel than required. An
eco-driving indicator integrated
into the instrument panel feeds
the driver with real-time fuel
consumption levels to help
improve his/her driving
behaviour. The ECO Pedal system
can be turned on or off
according to the driver’s
preference.
Nissan plans to commercialise
the ECO Pedal during 2009.
Research conducted by Nissan has
shown that by using the ECO
Pedal drive system, drivers can
improve fuel efficiency by
5-10%, depending on
driving conditions.
The ECO Pedal system is fed data
on the rate of fuel consumption
and transmission efficiency
during acceleration and
cruising, and then calculates
the optimum acceleration rate.
When the driver exerts excess
pressure on the accelerator, the
system counteracts with the
pedal push-back control
mechanism.
At the same time, the
eco-driving indicator
incorporated on the instrument
panel indicates the optimal
level for fuel-efficient
driving. Driving within the
optimal fuel consumption range,
the indicator is green. It
begins to flash when it detects
increased acceleration before
reaching the fuel consumption
threshold and finally turns
amber to advise the driver of
their driving behaviour. |
