Got a lead foot? Nissan's new pedal pushes back
Great news for hypermilers: Nissan's developing a new high-tech accelerator pedal that will force you to drive more efficiently. The "ECO Pedal" is equipped with sensors that detect any excess pressure or poor fuel economy and then literally pushes back against your foot to correct wasteful driving habits. I've heard of engines that shut down cylinders when they're not needed, but this seems like a scary new level of artificial intelligence. While the accelerator with a mind of its own concept might be unsettling to some drivers, there's a growing subculture that's willing to voluntarily drive 55mph to conserve oil -- albeit a small one. So maybe Nissan's not as off the mark with this innovation as it seems. According to Nissan, the 'smart' pedal could give your fuel economy a boost of 5-10% starting next year. Still, the best part about the ECO Pedal might be that fact that the driver can switch it on or off at random.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-04-2008 @ 2:38PM
ipodrulz said...
Oh Thank You!!! My Dad has never listened to me, and he loves pushing on the pedal and then letting go, and then pushing down and letting go... like he's revving the engine when he's driving. Hope Benz picks this up!
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8-04-2008 @ 10:33PM
Robert Gibson said...
Please read-Americans need to know!!!!!!!!
NHTSA Hearings 8/4/08
I just returned from the NHTSA hearings held today (August 4, 2008) in Washington D.C., regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for NEW Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards (CAFÉ) for years 2011-2015.
IMPORTANT FACTS: You will not believe what you are reading.
1) The 414 pages DEIS analysis was based on an average gasoline price of USD $2.16/gallon for 2011-2020. A calculation approved by the NHTSA administrators/managers. Would you believe it???????????
2) The new CAFÉ rules were also established, negotiated and pre-approved by the NHTSA’s management along with the influence of domestic automotive companies and their lobbyists. We have now established fuel standards for 2011-2020 that are presently met throughout the rest of the Western world (see elow)
As one guest speaker said today “are they on another planet?”
NHTSA “NEW Fuel Standards” (2011-2015) decision:
Automobiles are to achieve 31.2 mpg by 2011 and 35.7 mpg by 2015. Light trucks are to achieve 25 mpg by 2011, and 28.6 mpg by 2015.
The NTHSA is also setting a goal of 35 mpg on average for 2020.
America needs to know:
The European Union is currently establishing standards, with a goal of reaching 48.9 miles per gallon for new passenger vehicles as early as 2012. The current EU standard already requires more than 40 miles per gallon about 15% higher than the U.S. goal set for 12 years from now.
Japan currently has a standard of about 40 miles per gallon. Japan aims to further improve fuel efficiency by 17% by 2015, reaching 46.9 miles per gallon.
China has a current average of slightly under 35 miles per gallon. Chinese fuel standards are on target to reach the government’s goal of 35.8 miles per gallon by 2009. China will not only meet, but exceed, the goal just established by the United States for 2020 — more than a full decade earlier.
Australia is targeting 34.4 miles per gallon by 2010.
Canada is targeting 34.1 miles per gallon by 2010.
Under the current administration, purchasing an electric vehicle is becoming more of a necessity rather than an alternative.
BG Automotive Group, Ltd.
http://www.BGelectricCars.com
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8-05-2008 @ 8:49AM
skooldays said...
Love the comments
i see according to Webxact that Nissan are now claiming it can save at least 10% on fuel costs!
now thats what a car really needs!
http://www.webxact.co.uk/2008/08/will-eco-pedal-change-your-driving.html
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8-05-2008 @ 2:41PM
gustavion said...
It's great to see large business making efforts to 'go green' with their products. I think one of the most significant things we, as consumers, can do is support green business. For example http://www.simplestop.net stops your postal junk mail and benefits the environment.
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