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Nissan's new ECO pedal - taking 'helpful' driver technology too far?

Nissan's new ECO pedal - taking 'helpful' driver technology too far?

Viknesh Vijayenthiran August 4th, 2008 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author August 4th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 While most carmakers attempt to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles by shedding weight, improving aerodynamics or downsizing engines, Nissan is taking a slightly different approach by conditioning motorists to drive more conservatively. Nissan unveiled today a new device called the ECO Pedal that works by activating a counter ‘push-back’ force on the accelerator pedal every time the driver puts his or her foot down. An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel then feeds further information to the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve their driving behavior. The system uses data such as the rate of fuel consumption and transmission efficiency during acceleration and cruising to calculate the optimum acceleration rate. When the driver exerts "excess" pressure on the accelerator, the system counteracts with the pedal push-back force. Nissan claims the system can improve fuel efficiency by approximately 5-10% depending on driving conditions and plans to commercialize it as early as next year. Nissan has been careful to allow drivers to disable the system should they choose so. Not only can these ‘helpful’ aids be annoying for drivers, they can also have the adverse effect of being a distraction. Other prime examples include the Opel Insignia’s new dual-function front camera system, which is designed to read passing speed limit and no-overtaking signs. Then there’s the lane departure and blind-spot warning systems, some of which can even make steering wheel adjustments on their own.Nissan ECO Pedal
Nissan's new ECO pedal - taking 'helpful' driver technology too far?

Nissan's new ECO pedal - taking 'helpful' driver technology too far?

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While most carmakers attempt to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles by shedding weight, improving aerodynamics or downsizing engines, Nissan is taking a slightly different approach by conditioning motorists to drive more conservatively. Nissan unveiled today a new device called the ECO Pedal that works by activating a counter ‘push-back’ force on the accelerator pedal every time the driver puts his or her foot down.

An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel then feeds further information to the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve their driving behavior. The system uses data such as the rate of fuel consumption and transmission efficiency during acceleration and cruising to calculate the optimum acceleration rate. When the driver exerts "excess" pressure on the accelerator, the system counteracts with the pedal push-back force.

Nissan claims the system can improve fuel efficiency by approximately 5-10% depending on driving conditions and plans to commercialize it as early as next year.

Nissan has been careful to allow drivers to disable the system should they choose so. Not only can these ‘helpful’ aids be annoying for drivers, they can also have the adverse effect of being a distraction. Other prime examples include the Opel Insignia’s new dual-function front camera system, which is designed to read passing speed limit and no-overtaking signs. Then there’s the lane departure and blind-spot warning systems, some of which can even make steering wheel adjustments on their own.
Nissan ECO Pedal
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Tags: Gadgets

Posted in: Nissan, News


Comments (10 total)

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  1. By SuperSkyline89 #1, Posted: 8/4/2008

    Thank God this stupid piece of shit can be turned off, I wouldn't want to take Infinity off my list because of this.

  2. By Dane #2, Posted: 8/4/2008

    Actually makes sense... Have you seen these idiots smashing the foot pedal to get to the next light....

  3. By Gus #3, Posted: 8/4/2008

    I drive a Mustang GT, and people at stoplights in SUV's and station wagons blow by me all day long. I think most people are just taught to floor it everywhere they go...

    This is a good idea, and of course the option to mash the pedal when you need or want to is still there, but it helps train drivers to use a more economical approach when they aren't in a hurry...

  4. By HECTOR #4, Posted: 8/4/2008

    In the Soviet Union people who came up with ideas like these were sent to Siberia.

  5. By misc #5, Posted: 8/4/2008

    hey if i can afford to drive "enthusiastically" then its my decision and I pay for it at the pump. i dont need a piece of metal telling me i cant drive faster...welcome to the matrix..

  6. By Gus #6, Posted: 8/4/2008

    No, I understand the hesitation. I would probably shut it off as well.
    But like I said, so many people have no idea how to drive, all they seem to do is mash the pedals all the time and wonder why their Civic gets 10mpg in the city...

  7. By misc #7, Posted: 8/4/2008

    true that gus. people are becoming more aware though more than ever. i even heard a commercial today addressing this very issue.

  8. By MR. B #8, Posted: 8/5/2008

    Sad that it is coming to this. The book ‘1984’ should actually be re-titled 2014. By then much of what was predicted will have come to pass. Soon are cars will simply do the driving for us. Ironically, when this happens, roads will become safer because computers have no egos and don't get distracted. I'm just old school and feel that I should be one in control over the driving of my car. That as a driver, I should be responsible and aware enough to take it seriously and drive in a manner this is not only more economical, but safe for all other persons on the road, both in and out of a vehicles.

  9. By Sorin #9, Posted: 8/5/2008

    It would have been the biggest stupid thing not to have on/of button. Maybe they will stop at Nissan. What’s the point having a Ferrari or a Zonda with something like this? Huh?

  10. By guruz #10, Posted: 8/6/2008

    I agree with Gus on this. It is a great way for "normal people" (not the car addicts on this blog... who said you HAVE to use this?) to drive calmly and ecologically.

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