When Honda begins deliveries of its 2010 Insight hybrid this spring, it will come with a technology designed to help owners improve their driving habits to maximize fuel efficiency. Called Eco Assist, the system consist of a driver-activated ECON mode that automatically optimizes fuel use, plus a set of gauges to encourage “environmentally responsible driving.”
“Hybrid drivers enjoy trying to get the most fuel economy from their vehicles,” said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda. “The visual nature of Eco Assist is intended to help drivers improve their efficient driving skills by making the hybrid experience more fun and rewarding.”
The ECON mode does most of the work for the driver, by optimizing CVT transmission, engine, and related powertrain components to conserve fuel. ECON mode also adjusts air conditioner operation, increases the potential for engaging the idle stop feature sooner and increase battery charging during regenerative braking.
Even without ECON activated, the car will use the speedometer background color to provide real-time guidance on driving behavior. Fuel-saving activities like smooth acceleration and braking make the meter glow green. Somewhat less efficient driving makes the meter glow blue-green. Aggressive starts and stops that consume extra fuel make the meter glow blue.
A scoring system gives motorists keep an overall measure of their fuel efficiency by providing long-term feedback through graphic ‘leaves,’ which grow over time as drivers learn and implement driving practices that increase fuel economy.
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