2008 Nissan Unveils the ECO Pedal for Better Fuel Economy

[93 til Infiniti]

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 accelerator, 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 behaviour. The ECO Pedal system can be turned on or off according to the driver’s preference.

Nissan plans to commercialise 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 behaviour.

In order to achieve reduction in CO2 emissions, Nissan takes a “triple-layer” solution that encompasses vehicle technologies, driving behaviour and traffic conditions. The ECO Pedal supports the second-layer addressing driving behaviour 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.

[Yv12345vY]

The anti-lead foot!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooo

[silverG2007]

Sounds dangerous to me.

Anyone here need HELP controlling the pedal?

[Greatwars]

interesting

[toogood]

Do not want.

[Sbeck]

Seems dangerous for the same reason many people dont drive with VDC on. If i need to get out of a sticky situation and i floor it, but either this thing stops me, or my VDC presses the brake, and i get hit because i couldnt get out quick enough....well then no thankyou. Interesting, but could have its setbacks.

[express705]

i dont get it

[Sbeck]

Originally Posted by express705

i dont get it

REED KAREFULY.

[giddyup69]

seems interesting.. but they should just make it similar to the snow button found on the all wheel drive models where it cuts the throttle response by half. then again... if you're that worried about fuel mileage... y not just buy a more fuel efficient car to begin with ??

[pjames]

i think this IS for the more fuel efficient cars... anyways, it's been proved here many times that a changein driving habits can make a big difference in mileage.
i doubt this system would actually stop you from flooring it in an emergency situation, more just a little tactile feedback to remind you that you probably don't need to be accelerating that fast.

[rkesh88]

It could also have the kick down button so if you needed the power to get out a certain situation, it would drop to the lowest gear and have enough power

[godmans]

Nissan finally understands that the determining factor for the mileage problem in our cars is our lead foot not how efficient the engine is ..lol