Nissan Eco Pedal Pushes Back for 2009

Nissan Eco Pedal illustration

Saves fuel from 5 to 10 percent

By Brian Potter
August 6, 2008 6:00 PM
Filed Under: Green, Japanese, Nissan, Technology

Following the fuel cell breakthrough and new green vehicles on the horizon, Nissan hits us with yet another new technology called, ECO Pedal. Designed to teach drivers to become more fuel-efficient in their driving habits, the eco-pedal pushes back on the driver's foot if the system detects excessive pressure, helping to inform the driver that they could be using more fuel than necessary. Additionally, an eco-driving indicator is located in the instrument cluster to inform the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve his/her driving behavior.

Nissan plans to introduce the ECO Pedal in 2009. Based on Nissan's internal research, the ECO Pedal could help drivers improve fuel efficiency by 5-10%, depending on driving conditions.

See press release below for technical details.

Source: Nissan

Press Release (Click to expand)

WORLD FIRST ECO PEDAL HELPS REDUCE FUEL CONSUMPTION

- Nissan ECO Pedal system to be commercialized by 2009 -

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 accelarator, 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 CO2 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.

*1: Based on Nissan’s internal research data.

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Comments

carcrazy1234

August 6, 2008 7:49 PM

ohhh after reading the article that all made sense haha i tried to figure out what they were talking about with the pictures only and i was like "damnn that's some confusing sh*t" lol very good idea btw

desiathate

August 6, 2008 11:43 PM

nice... out side the box thinking nissan! i sensing a new Japanese car manufacturing leader lol good bye boring toyotas!

Bremen_Koenigsegg

August 7, 2008 5:00 AM

Ugh. It is a good thing this system is nothing more than a switch and an LED, otherwise I'd rant about how stupid it is. It's still stupid, don't get me wrong -- just not irritatingly so.

pzigly

August 7, 2008 8:56 AM

come on now its not stupid. Its a computer system that allows you to use a low amount of fuel when you want and doesnt intrude if you dont want it on. Its a helping tool to save you close to $10 for every hundred u spend. a lot of times the pedal tempts you to push it. This helps remind you to calm down.

benz_man

August 7, 2008 4:15 PM

"a lot of times the pedal tempts you to push it"...spoken like a true gear-head!

pzigly

August 7, 2008 8:59 AM

I have one question though. If the system is on and you see someone comming from behind you very quickly will the system intrude so much to prevent you from flooring it out of an accident?

benz_man

August 7, 2008 4:19 PM

Ummm, does anyone smell a lawsuit brewing? But seriously, most drivers don't realize fuel economy is at its worst when accelerating from a stop. Americans NEED a technology like this. It'll inform the masses and get rid of some of these fun but costly driving habits. Good job Nissan.

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