Nissan eco accelerator pedal reduces consumption

NISSAN Motor Co has developed an accelerator pedal that can push back on the driver’s foot when it detects inefficient driving.

Unveiled in Tokyo this week and claimed to be a world first, the “Eco Pedal” has a counter push-back control mechanism that is activated if the system detects excess pressure.

The 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 excess pressure is detected, the system counteracts with a push in the opposite direction.

Nissan plans to commercialise the Eco Pedal, which includes an “eco-driving indicator” in the instrument cluster that calculates real-time consumption levels and indicates the optimal level for fuel-efficient driving, next year. It cited internal research showing that the (switchable) system can improve fuel efficiency by between five and 10 per cent, depending on driving conditions.

“In order to achieve reduction in CO2 emissions, Nissan takes a ‘triple layer’ solution that encompasses vehicle technologies, driving behaviour and traffic conditions,” the company said in a statement.

“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.”