I recently heard an article on KJZZ radio in Phoenix about Eco Driving . It is a very interesting concept. Almost like going through drivers ed all over again. The reporter on KJZZ drove the same course 3 times and improved her MPG by about 20%. The other interesting thing is that when they drove the route, it added about 10% to the time for the trip. If your trip normally takes 20 minutes, it will now take 22 minutes. I would believe that your trip done with normal driving habits could sometimes take the same 22 minutes if you had raced up to stoplights and had to spend extra time waiting for the light to change.
Over the course of a year that 20% can add up to real savings in money and gasoline. This organization claims that anyone driving any car can with some training and driving tips can achieve almost the same rate of improvement.
I also read about a venture between Microsoft and Fiat. They have created a Blue and Me computer system that is offered on some cars built by Fiat and Ford. You then download software for your home computer that works with data that can be downloaded from the car. This then analyzes your driving habits and offers advice as to how you can improve your MPG. This sounds like a good idea. I have always preached that the easiest and most cost effective adjustment to improve fuel economy is to the driver of the car.
No comments:
Post a Comment