The ecoDriver consortium is currently preparing a video, which will showcase the promising output of this EU-funded project. The video will briefly explain the characteristics of the FeDS (Full ecoDriver System), aftermarket solutions and the nomadic system developed by the partners, from the point of view of both the experts and the drivers. With that purpose, some partners are actively involved in the shooting of the video, which will be finished and published on this website by the end of the year.
The recording process started at CTAG, in Spain, on the 24th of July 2014. Samuel Ríos drove an Internal Combustion Engine vehicle and an electric vehicle and explained that in both cases, the FeDS by means of stimulating a more eco-friendly way of driving contributes to an energy saving of up to 20%. The system advises the driver to speed up or to brake when necessary, and rewards him/her with green bubbles and a high score when he/she performs well. This not only contributes to a reduction of CO2 emissions, but also allows the driver to save money on fuel or electricity.
However, the functionality of the ecoDriver systems is not limited to energy efficiency. It is also designed to increase the safety of the driver, by minimising the risk of suffering an accident. In the case of the full ecoDriver system, a radar installed in the vehicles and connected to a smartphone, alerts the driver about the proximity of other cars, sharp turns, and speeding.
After these trials, Rosa Blanco Lorenzo, Eva García and Pablo Mejuto explained the role of CTAG within the project, the tests with real drivers using the nomadic system which are underway, and the relevance of ecoDriver in contributing to achieving the European energy efficiency targets for 2030.
Selection of pictures and quotes
Samuel Ríos (Vehicle dynamics and electromobility engineer)
“I am really glad to have the opportunity of testing the ecoDriving system. I think it is performing really well, and it helps me become a better driver day by day. I find it specially helpful when the system warns me about a vehicle or a curve that I am approaching”
Eva García (Psycologist. Evaluation expert)
“We are carrying out two kinds of studies. In the first one, 10 drivers will drive their own car with a nomadic system that provides them with information to improve their driving. In the second study, 24 workers from CTAG will drive the electric car, first without the FeDS, and then with it. Afterwards, we will compare the results.”
Rosa Blanco (Responsible of the Electronic Systems Validation and Human Factor Evaluation at CTAG)
“We speak about energy savings and not only about fuel consumption because the project is dealing with different kinds of vehicles, hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as internal combustion engine vehicles.”
Pablo Mejuto (SP3 leader)
“Not only CTAG is testing the FeDS, as VTI in Sweden and IKA in Germany are also testing it. The main difference with these other test sites is that at CTAG we included a haptic pedal to complement the audio and visual signals of the application”
For more information, visit the ecoDriver website
