Eco-Driving: Pilot Evaluation of Driving Behavior Changes Among U.S. Drivers

Among several strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles, “eco-driving” is one that had not received much attention in the United States (U.S.) until recently. The core of eco-driving programs is to provide drivers with a variety of advice and feedback to minimize fuel consumption while driving. The advice and feedback can be provided through various means including website or brochure, class or training, and in-vehicle driving aids. This study evaluated how an on-board eco-driving device that provides instantaneous fuel economy feedback affects driving behaviors, and consequently fuel economy, of gasoline-engine vehicle drivers in the U.S. under real-world driving conditions. The results from 20 samples of drivers in Southern California show that on average the fuel economy on city streets improves by 6% while the fuel economy on highways improves by 1%. According to responses to the questionnaire at the end of the study period, this group of drivers is willing to adopt eco-driving practices in the near future (mean score of 7.4 out of 10). In fact, 40% of them have already practiced ecodriving, and that penetration rate could go up to 95% if the gasoline price increases to $4.4 per gallon.