The third stop of our tour across Europe to film the different ecoDriver systems was Munich, at the premises of BMW. Dr Jan Loewenau, BMW researcher, presented the company’s version of the ecoDriver system and showed how it works in practice.
BMW has adopted a pragmatic and market-oriented approach within the ecoDriver project, focusing on the development of a system integrated in high-end vehicles. This German automobile company has developed the ecoAssist application, which is connected to a digital map and communication components with respect to the vehicle’s longitudinal dynamics. Along the same lines, BMW has implemented parts of the Full ecoDriver System (FeDS) and some additional items on the Human Machine Interface, such as a dashboards and a coloured Head-Up Display (directly in the driver’s line of sight).
In addition, the BMW cars equipped with the ecoDriver system have a coasting mode/function that switches to gear mode when braking. As this is more efficient than conventional coasting, it contributes to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emission of up to 20%. Dr Loewenau highlights: “For us it was a success to take part in ecoDriver because, within the framework of the project, we have developed the coasting mode and it is already in production for our series cars.”
Selection of picture and quote:
Dr. Jan Loewenau (Researcher at BMW)
“There are no compromises concerning efficiency and driving dynamics. When drivers use our new Head-up display and dashboard, alongside the coasting function, they can drive sportive and eco-friendly.”
For more information, visit the ecoDriver website
