My Gas Guzzler

TOKYO (August 4, 2008) — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today unveiled the ECO Pedal – a world first technology – 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 behavior. The ECO Pedal system can be turned on or off according to the driver’s preference.

Nissan plans to commercialize 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%*1, 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 behavior.

In order to achieve reduction in C02 emissions, Nissan takes a “triple-layer” solution that encompasses vehicle technologies, driving behavior and traffic conditions. The ECO Pedal supports the second-layer addressing driving behavior and is among a range of eco-friendly technologies being pursued under the Nissan Green Program 2010. The company’s environmental roadmap aims at developing new technologies, products and services that can lead to real-world reductions in vehicle CO2 emissions, cleaner emissions, and recycling of resources.

I always loved the July 4th holiday. Family get together, fireworks, relaxing and best of all….taking a trip. When they raised the speed limits from 55mph to 75mph, most drivers would travel at 80 – 90mph and ride the bumpers if you were not driving at the speed they wanted to go. On our latest venture, I noticed an amazing trend, everyone was driving at or below the speed limit.  Most of the semi trailers (if they were not being hauled on a train) were traveling at 70mph. I know that there is a huge savings if you limit your speed and not push the maximum. Many cars were doing the same and driving below the posted speed limit. Funny thing is that when the price of fuel really starts to affect your wallet, you think twice about the importance of arriving to your destination a few minutes early at what it will cost.

One side note, my 2000 Ford Focus achieved a stunning 43.32 mpg on this trip!