Step Off The Gas

[JAS-25T]

Step off the gas

Email articleComment on this articlePublished: 05 August 2008 12:46 PM

Source: The Engineer Online

Nissan Motor has its sights set on helping drivers to become more fuel-efficient by developing a new accelerator pedal that can 'correct' inefficient driving behaviour.

The so-called ECO Pedal system is designed to assist drivers to become more fuel-efficient. In use, the system is fed data on the rate of fuel consumption and transmission efficiency during acceleration and cruising. It then calculates an optimum acceleration rate.

When a driver exerts excess pressure on the accelerator, the system counteracts, pushing the accelerator back.

At the same time, an eco-driving indicator incorporated on the instrument panel feeds the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve his or her driving behaviour.

Nissan plans to commercialise the ECO Pedal during 2009. Research conducted by the company has shown that by using the ECO Pedal drive system, drivers can improve fuel efficiency by 5-10 per cent, depending on driving conditions.

The ECO Pedal system can be turned on or off according to the drivers preference.

Great for the masses - not so good for sports cars........ but you can turn it on and off.

[DRD-00F]

over taking procedures on the track will become somewhat tricky...

on the road too... it's great that it's economical, but if that truck plows through me while I'm over taking, it won't be very healthy

[GTR-N1]

Pro for Nissan: Sell more cars...

Con for Us: Post #2 risk more accidents

Pro for Us: Strengthen the right leg muscles

Con for Us: Knee gets sore

Pro for Us: Save more fuel

Con for Us: Another accident

Pro for Us: Car's a write-off

Pro for Us: New car has no Eco

[mad082]

i think it is more designed to read what is the point where flooring it won't get you any better acceleration. so like at 1500 rpm you don't really gain any acceleration over being at 50% throttle. you are just dumping in more fuel, some of which isn't getting burnt. so you end up using 20% more fuel to accelerate 5% quicker.

i also think it may be more designed for automatic cars rather than manual cars, as auto's are less effecient when accelerating than manuals.

[FATAZZ]

i know a few people that would learn a valuable lesson from this gadget.

[HackerX]

I imagine it also would just provide a small amount resistance past the point. Not making it overly difficult to push past that point, just so it's noticeable, not so that it effects your right foot.