Even the best fuel saving technology can be negated by poor driving habits. Thus, many of the latest vehicles come with features that help you drive ‘smarter’ to save fuel. The simplest provide feedback through computer displays showing instantaneous and average mpg, range to empty, and more. More sophisticated displays may also graphically indicate efficient driving, like leafs turning greener.
Some vehicles have more active features that coach drivers so they can drive more efficiently. By staying in the green within the blue and green ‘coaching bars’ in Honda's Eco Assist display, drivers can see in real-time how they can achieve higher mpg. Pressing the system’s green ECON button also causes the engine and other energy-consuming systems to automatically operate more efficiently.
Similarly, BMW Driving Dynamics Control allows choosing between Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes. Along with shutting down unnecessary systems that consume power, Eco Pro includes a coasting function that decouples the engine from the drivetrain when the accelerator is released between 30 and 100 mph.
Fiat's eco:Drive provides efficiency feedback after a trip, not during it. While driving, eco:Drive records data that can be transferred to a memory stick plugged into its USB port. This data can then be accessed on a PC or laptop to enable a driver to review how well they did. An ecoIndex scores driving skills on a 100 point scale. Tutorials provide tips on how to score better and scores can be compared to tell if driving skills are improving.
With Nissan's Eco Pedal, the accelerator pedal pushes back against a driver’s foot to encourage accelerating in a fuel-efficient manner. More aggressive acceleration is available if the driver pushes harder. Additionally, an instrument panel provides four levels of indication depending on acceleration – no light when the vehicle is stopped, green with appropriate pedal pressure, flashing green with almost-unfavorable pressure, and amber for unfavorable pressure.
In an era of high mpg, low emission cars where environmental performance is increasingly important, it’s easy to get focused on vehicle models without regard to the technologies that make their incredible achievements possible. This year, Green Car Journal and the Washington Auto Show are changing that dynamic with the inaugural Green Car Technology Award™. The winner will be announced at a press conference held during the show’s second Policy Day on Thursday, January 31.
Green Car Journal editors have identified 10 enabling technologies worthy of consideration for this recognition. These 10 finalists – Green Car Journal's 'Top 10 Green Car Technologies for 2013' – represent diverse automotive technologies ranging from efficient powerplants and components to systems engineered to promote driving efficiency. Qualifying technologies must be in use by vehicle models today. Important ‘green’ technologies still under development or found only in models outside the U.S. will be considered in future award years when used in vehicles driven on American highways.
The 2013 Green Car Technology Award™ nominees include:
Fiat MultiAir: This simple, low power requirement, and low-cost technology takes a unique approach to lowering engine emissions and fuel use while increasing horsepower.
Fisker Automotive EVer: A powerful extended range electric powertrain, EVer is well-suited to the needs of high-end sport sedan buyers who wish lower environmental impact.
Ford Auto Stop-Start: Hybrids shut off when stopped and automatically restart to save fuel and emissions. Ford’s low-cost technology brings this function to average vehicles.
Ford EcoBoost: Direct injection and turbocharging enable EcoBoost technology to bring up to 20 percent better fuel economy to conventional gasoline engines.
Ford Energi: This technology evolves a conventional Ford hybrid into a plug-in hybrid, enabling electric and gas engines to work together or separately for maximum efficiency.
Honda Eco Assist: This system includes a driver-activated ECON feature that configures the engine and other energy-consuming systems to operate more efficiently to save fuel.
Mazda SkyACTIV: Focusing on more than just powerplants, Mazda’s SkyACTIV suite of technologies improves every part of a car to improve mpg while ensuring driving fun.
Nissan Easy-Fill Tire Alert: Low tire pressure robs mpg. This technology alerts a driver which tire is low and by how much. While a driver fills the tire, the horn chirps at proper inflation.
Tesla Powertrain: Fast and powerful, the all-electric propulsion system in Tesla’s Model S is a milestone for electric vehicles offering up to 265 miles of driving range.
Toyota RAV4 EV Powertrain: Developed with Tesla, the electric powerplant in Toyota’s new RAV4 EV provides this SUV a seamless and satisfying driving experience.
