RECODRIVE

URTP Conference

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:19:46 +0100

A video about the URTP Conference held on the 12th of November 2009 in Bucharest. Video download ...

Eco-driving workshop and RECODRIVE Certification ceremony in Slovenia

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:55:27 +0100

University of Maribor has organized workshop on eco-driving and more than 80 participants, coming from companies, universities and public administration, have attended. Lectures on impact of eco-driving on environment, concrete information on how to ...

Three E's of Green Fleet Management

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:25:55 +0100

Three areas should be covered according to fleetchallenge.ca: (1) Efficiency Gains (2) Alternative Energies and (3) Changing Operating Environments This underlines the R ...

Very Nice Video from the U.S.A.

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:45:57 +0100

A very well made Ecodriving video targeting private drivers may be found here. The video was provided by the Environmental Defense Fund and ...

Speed Limiters save 7-8% Fuel with Vans

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:30:56 +0100

British Gas, TNT and Royal Mail have experienced fuel savings of 7% to 8% after installing speed limiters. The maximum speed of 100 km/h reduces speeding and overproportional losses due to the often bad aerodynamics and bigger cross-sectional areas o ...

Increase Fuel Efficiency by Retreading?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:41:36 +0100

With bigger tires retreading is an issue to save on tire cost. Under some circumstances it is possible also to gain on efficiency when retreading: If you have tires with big blocks you might opt for a new fuel efficient tread. Or by changing from tr ...

Refining of CO2related vehicle taxes needed

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:24:20 +0100

If we are looking at taxation results, we see that there are no incentive to procure vehicles with less ancillary power demand. You think that you should be rewarded when you abstain from comfort and luxury devices? Nope - this is not the case, so fa ...

Are Scooters wasting fuel by design?

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:10:30 +0100

What we learned from professional ecomodder Alle ...

Marketing with ecomodded cars

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:23:47 +0100

EDF Innovation Exchange proposes using boat tails as advertising space with fleets. Here in Europe parking poses an issue and may be that's not a good idea. But fortunately there are other bright and feasible ideas. Take the covers for the whe ...

RECODRIVE podcast- project overview

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:32:04 +0100

The podcast gives a short overview about the RECODRIVE project. It gives information about the possibility to get a follower certificates as well as some information about the RECODRIVE demonstrators and successful driver trainings. ...

Funding gives fuel saving a boost - well in the U.S.A. only...

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:37:19 +0100

The fed funded companies will be introducing with heavy trucks

waste heat recovery systems
fuel cell and electric auxiliary power units to reduce engine idling
improved aerodynamics
hybridization and
tires w ...

RECODIVE in conference "Transport & Environment"

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:12:01 +0100

Project RECODRIVE was presented in the conference "Transport & Environment" organized in cooperation with Slovenian Ministry of Transport. ...

4l/100km car, seriously

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:01:00 +0100

Japanese are known to invest time in quality, this time it's fuel efficiency. Suzuki reduced the weight of the Alto, added CVT and reduced comfort gadgets like powered windows. The axle transmission was driven to new heights contributing to the impro ...

ECO-DRIVING safely for taxis and for buses and coaches

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:29:54 +0100

ECO-driving is not only an easy and cost-efficient way to reduce fuel consumption, greenhouse gases and accident rates, but is also an attitude and respect for society as a whole. In order to help drivers adjust their driving behaviour to differen ...

Ten Tips for Fuel Saving

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:54:56 +0100

Compiling 10 most valuable tips for (private) motorists, Recodrive tries to attract more readers to the website. Beware the tips are somewhat unorthodox. But you profit from the subsummising more tips into a list of only ten. download ...

Download detailed fleet management assessment guidelines

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:04:47 +0100

Based on an audit approach that the Wales Audit Office has now adapted into two self-assessment tools. Public sector organisations can use the tools to review their fleet management arrangements where work has not previously been carried out, or to ...

3 New Ecodriving Cases From The U.S.A.

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:05:36 +0100

May be its easier saving fuel when starting from a lower level. Anyhow it is amazing how much initiative towards sustainable fleet management stems from abroad: Find here many useful materials and three case descriptions, two for trucks and one abou ...

What VW/Audi has learned from the Lupo/A2 3l tragedy

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:58:45 +0100

Do you have the impression that somebody does it right, perfectly right? After realising that no other full hybrid will come close to Toyotas THS II in simplicity and market approach, there had been a longer pause. But now Volkswagen seems to have c ...

Nice Sticker Warning Non-Ecodrivers

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:24:24 +0100

Unfortunately Europe is deserted in terms of innovative individual hypermiling approaches. Have a look at this attempt to improve fuel economy on a pick up truck. more... BTW: ...

Cash for Clunkers Scheme Improving Fuel Efficiency?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:47:26 +0100

Latest reports from the U.S give a modest increase of 0.2 MPG (average fleet consumption) as result of the scrappage fees (source). Eur ...

The 2l Car - or 100 mpg if you want, has it a future?

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:40:10 +0100

Since 3l cars are around us (3l diesel/100km) and the 1l car is in development, we actually might drive a used 2l (2.35 l petrol/100km) car achieving fuel efficiency of 100 MPG. The production ended in 2005. Check it out here or < ...

First eco driving add-on package hits the market

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:49:45 +0100

Our dreams came through. OEMs are now offering packages improving fuel efficiency for more than one model. Germany's Volkswagen from Wolfsburg might be first - the package is called BlueMotion Technology Package and the Ecodriving Add-On package migh ...

Aerodynamic improvements with trucks street legal?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:37:02 +0100

In the USA there are some actions to improve fuel efficiency by utilising boat tails, but in Europe we have more rigid checks of altera ...

Higher efficiency for light commercial vehicles?

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:34:45 +0100

The European Commission proposes legislation to limit the CO₂ emissions from light commercial vehicles. This seems to be good new but the sad story is that OEM lobbying has prevented from going the full way. So carrying around warm air in ...

Save 5% by choosing the right winter tyre

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:25:49 +0200

Recent tests have shown that for example the Opel/Vauxhall Astra consumes 0.4l/100km less with the best performing tyre from Yokohama compared with the worst performing Hankook W 440 Icebear ...

RECODRIVE will be present in technical sessions about Sustainable Industrial Mobility

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:41:06 +0200

BESEL will participate introducing RECODRIVE project in technical sessions about Sustainable Industrial Mobility organised by REMAR Network with a conference titled "RECODRIVE project: Measures for saving energy in fleets - staff training and motivat ...

No mandatory tyre efficiency labelling in Europe?

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:28:56 +0200

There was much hope that a new directive will boost energy saving in transport. But the latest legal text will not include mandatory schemes. Read more here. ...

Brand new study documents OEM improvements, but EU CO2 targets are not met...

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:38:04 +0200

The new T&E study shows significant progress from 2007 top 2008, especially with VWs blue motion models, the Volvo S40, Ford Fiesta Econetic, Mercedes BlueEfficiency Power and BMW Efficient Dynamics But anyhow all of them remain far away from t ...

Drive in Backward Direction to Save Fuel

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:44:12 +0200

GM found out that some design studies had better drag coefficients when put backwards into the air channel (source). S ...

The benefits of driving a small car in NYC

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:36:04 +0200

'You can get through the traffic because you can always go up the side,' Check out this Auto Ego article in the New York Times, more If ...

DIY improvements of aerodynamics

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:15:24 +0200

In those time were major V6 promoters are awarded "greenest auto maker" it is most important to redirect focus on innovation from private. This very innovative chap has redone the under-body thus reducing aerodynamic drag. Good luck! read more ...

RECODRIVE went over its threshold handing out the 20th certificate.

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:21:58 +0200

Way before the projects end the certificate was awarded to the 20th fleet, thus fulfilling the promised threshold. The fleet sizes differ we have smaller ones but also very large public transport companies operating several hundreds of buses. Contact ...

Unusual Ecodriving with old car

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:19:17 +0200

In the USA an event has shown that knowledge about cars does help lowering fuel consumption even if this knowledge resulted from car racing. Don't try that at home, dangerous driving habits and modification included, however the fact that older car ...

Tips for truckers

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:31:55 +0200

Some tips you will enjoy boosting your fuel economy- the best however is the user comment - I would like to do so but my wife complains..... more ...

Ecodriving with HEVs

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:39:04 +0200

The method with hybrid electric vehicle is called pulse and glide, more ...

Lacking air pressurization at refuelling stops

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:13:29 +0200

Is it coincidence or tactics - at Croatian refuelling stations with Austrian brand tire pressure control is not possible due to the absence of measuring pressurization devices. This clearly hinders spreading of Ecodriving habits. We hope that this ab ...

Mobile phone usage worsens your mileage

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:21:32 +0200

Not without surprise it was found out that distraction reduces fuel economy. This time the usage of mobile phones is concerned. So it does not help al lot using hands-free equipment- neither for safety and even less for fuel efficiency. more ...

New fuel efficient cars for company fleets

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:39:35 +0200

You are not stuck with choosing only from a few cars like the Seat Ecomotive or its VW siblings since Peugeot launches 207 model with CO2 emissions under 100g/km, the French term to remember is ECONOMIQUE source. ...

How to attain fuel efficiency for buses: tips&tricks from Busoperators.org

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:37:06 +0200

There are a number of factors affecting how one can achieve savings in fuel consumption of buses, as summarized in a series of articles posted on Busoperators.org, a free business social network and community platform for the bus world. The Tips&a ...

New regulations for tyres

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:10:09 +0200

An agreement has been reached between the representatives of the European Parliament and member states where tyres are concerned. This agreement aims to improve the situation regarding rolling resistance and thus the energy efficiency of new tyres b ...

Super light heavy trucks coming

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:43:22 +0200

Volvo says its engineers could use aircraft technology to cut truck weights by 20% in ten years. Running lighter trucks would save fuel, cash and emissions. Carl Fredrik Hartung, project manager at Volvo Technology, says the firm has a computer simul ...

Article in the RAPL magazine

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:19:26 +0200

In the very beginning of 2009 RECODRIVE topic is also public in a Romanian magazine addressing about 5000 readers, representing mainly local authorities but transport sector operators and industry as well. The major goal of this article is to raise ...

Providers opinion is of considerable support

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:17:21 +0200

Following the training course held on 19 May 2009 at RAT Craiova offices, here are the most interesting remarks of the new tested buses providers representatives: - it is useless to stop the engine at a red traffic light, being its variable duration ...

First inputs from the training courses at RAT Craiova, Romania

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:14:57 +0200

After the first six months of monitoring and training RAT staff categories, drivers and managers, the trainer is concluding some first recommendations:

as the on board devices are not able to register decimal fractions of the real fuel consum ...

First event in Romania

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:11:43 +0200

URTP is sharing with RECODRIVE partners the most important results of the first dedicated event organized by URTP in Romania on 19 November 2008 at RAT Craiova offices. The information offered by RECODRIVE project was evaluated as very good: - 80 ...

E.M.T. Madrid joins to RECODRIVE initiative

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:16:47 +0200

The Municipal Transport Company of Madrid (E.M.T.) has given a new step in its commitment with sustainable public transport implementing a demonstration of RECODRIVE project measures in order to evaluate the benefits obtained in terms of energy savin ...

Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle System Component Development - Project HYSYS

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:18:50 +0200

On 30th of June the Technical workshop of EU project HYSYS took place at University of Maribor. Modified Fiat Panda running on hydrogen fuel cell was presented. With its PEM fuel cells and new gener ...

Savings achieved at Slovenian company Viator & Vektor

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:30:58 +0200

In Slovenian demonstrator company Viator&Vektor (freight transport) 6 drivers and trucks were involved in demonstration. The initial savings achieved in driver training were 6%on average.In the following 6 months the drivers have achieved on aver ...

RECODIVE in conference

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:24:19 +0200

Project RECODRIVE was presented in the conference "How to encourage creativity and innovation in education" held in Maribor. Participants were given the opportunity to test their eco-driving knowledge and skills on the "Ecodrive virtual trainer" sim ...

RECODRIVE in Baltic Transport Journal

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:26:08 +0200

An article on RECODRIVE project covering ecodriving, motivation and slovenian example was published in Baltic Transport Journal. You are kindly invited to download and read the article click ...

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:18:14 +0200

After a long time of research we found an interesting product for heavy duty vehicles for monitoring the tire pressure. The system is easy to install and the price is valuable. If you need more information just contac BEMAG - Alois Rathgeb ...

Successful Driver Trainings

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:10:53 +0200

Within the last weeks all demonstrator fleets of BEMAG in Austria had their Driver Trainings. They were a big success and the average reduction of fuel was 9,8 %. The feedback of the drivers was very good: "We where sceptic in the beginning of the t ...

Pay for Performance in Fleet Management

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:43:01 +0200

Recent economic trouble have led to a rethinking of remuneration schemes. It is almost sure that pay for performance schemes do corrupt intrinsic motivation. What does this mean for the rewarding schemes in fleet management. Well the first rule shou ...

18 out of 30 (wider) Europe countries do have no Ecodriving implemented!

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:06:05 +0200

According to G.v.Bressensdorf/EFA by mid 2008 there were a lot of white patches in Europe regarding the implementation of ecodriving in practice. Especially in the eastern part of Europe driver training and practice were lacking ecodriving content. ...

US. Trucking goes green

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:13:18 +0200

The Rocky Mountain Institute gave the topic more importance by figuring out the hurdles but also solutions from practitioners in a report. S ...

New RECODRIVE branding - mobile advertising

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:21:55 +0200

The newly branded electric city car is on the road again after one day glue hardening. The picture shows ist in front of the first electric charging station in Graz - now closed - remembering that implementation of battery electric vehicles has once ...

An awful lot of refurbishing tips

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:44:41 +0200

Ecomodder holds them all, tips how to improve fuel ecomnomy on your ride- attention passenger car focussed -click here and get them all. For truck you may vis ...

First ten RECODRIVE fleets certified!

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:16:13 +0200

A few days after sending out the check-list for the certification process, the first ten fleets were awarded the certificate partly as fleet of excellence surpassing the minimum criteria. The check-list does include allow different approaches for acc ...

Shut down after 10 Seconds

Tue, 19 May 2009 13:16:51 +0200

Especially with gasoline engines it makes sense to shut them down when idling could occur for more than 10 seconds.source ...

Ecodriving for farmers

Tue, 12 May 2009 16:55:08 +0200

The John Deere S.T.A.R.-programme is training sales personnel. The savings point by point:

choose the right engine power- if you have infrequent jobs requiring more power rent a larger tractor for them.
choose the right gear box with ...

Reduced speed as savier of beleaguered trucking companies?

Thu, 07 May 2009 17:24:15 +0200

Figures from cargo vessels may be interesting also for truck fleets. By reducing the speed and managing better loads one may save 10-12 percent fuel. The idea of reducing average speed may be transferred to trucking under the condition, that driver c ...

Aerodynamics revisited

Fri, 01 May 2009 21:44:56 +0200

May be we will see reduction of fuel consumption with speeding Germans - Daimler will be selling cars with a drag coefficient Cd of less than .20 in just 5 years. source Pho ...

Breakthrough in lightweight materials?

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:42:13 +0200

The use of aluminium increased with passenger cars but has some drawbacks with commercial vehicles (more complex repair, need for electric isolation or avoiding contact with steel preventing corrosion...). Therefore we are looking eagerly to a new st ...

Greening Fleets - U.S.A. Show Case

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:06:04 +0200

Greening Fleets - A road map to lower costs and cleaner corporate fleets- an astonishing similar approach to recodrive may be found here ...

ECODRIVING assist making the difference?

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 13:43:04 +0200

Imagine you buy a cheaper car e.g. a lean hybrid electric one and save the same amount of money by following the ECODRIVING assist system. That might well be Hondas strategy with its new Insight car. But since Toyota will fight back with similar or e ...

The impact of ecodriving tools

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 13:17:57 +0200

For ecodriving professionals it might be funny to listen to the bloggers but FIATs sites provide insight what could be wrong with motorists attitudes. ECO:DRIVE STATISTICS

Bajaj targeting 30km/l = 3.3 l/100km

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:45:29 +0200

Not new to the planet but another auto maker committing lo fuel saving The difference is that the car will be affordable too... The negative message was issued months before- not until 2011. source ...

Hybrid delivery vans may reduce your fuel bill by one quarter

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:39:56 +0200

Iveco and Fedex presented results from a 4,900 mile test. The earnings were 26.5 percent decrease in fuel consumption... source Please consider ...

Rewarding fuel saving HEV drivers

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:39:32 +0200

A producer initiated ecodriving initiative rewards £100 for the best driver (only one???) source ...

Economy package for trucks

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:42:29 +0100

Freightliner introduces some improvements like rear wheel fairings, underbody panels, a roof deflector and a front air splitter. The side mirrors were replaced by cameras reducing drag. While cruising the height is reduced using air bladders. Wireles ...

Innovation in Navigation Systems

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:05:47 +0100

Garmin now enters the market with a device which focuses on heavy goods transport. Since it deals with safety relevant data (height at underways) we hope that the piece of software is not green banana like Garmins ecoroute add-on. long-haul navi ...

Learn aerodynamics from racing

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:00:55 +0100
Sportcars may not have the highest fuel efficiency but they are often optimised for low drag in order to reach high velocities. The Porsche Panamera Aero features an aerodynamic underbody, which is expected for every eco-car. source img

0.4 l engine suffices - zero point four, believe it!

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:36:14 +0100
The .4-liter 4-cylinder engine is planned for use as a range-extender in the 2011 Volt. This is a spelling mistake beating even the 0.5 l engine size of the light weighted Axon? Pos ...

eco racing austria

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:53:52 +0100
Students from the technical University Graz are working on a fuel cell powered eco-racer. Thea are targeting 1l per 5000 km. Find more here ...

Is is true, flaps for vans?

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:31:48 +0100
Research have developed rear spoilers reducing drag by 5%. source Since there are no photoes we don't know whether they are Vortex g ...

Thermoelectric may save 5%

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:05:41 +0100
Until now we thought 7% of the 30% exhaust waste may be regenerated but VW claims to improve fuel efficiency by 5%. source. ...

Policies go tighter

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 08:57:25 +0100
After the failure of the Auto-Oil Initiative in Europe (download pdf) which turned out to be a marketing gag holding up the pace, regulations both in Europe and in the U.S.A. a ...

Tired of Loremo messages? Here is an alternative, named Axon!

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:57:19 +0100
The Axon hatchback is a demonstration how to achieve lower price and lower weight at the same time. May be there are more options how to make use of recycled high-tech materials. source The ...

3.333 l/100km for the new Honda Insight?

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:07:18 +0100
The Tech-On website has published the Japanese figures for the new Honda Insight (which has nothing in common with the original Insight).The Eco Assist (Ecological Drive Assist System) is enhancing the fuel economy. But figures of 26.0km/L under th ...

EU regulations CO2 from passenger cars

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:47:56 +0100
CO₂ from passenger cars is now regulated since voluntary comittments by the producers failed. The new regulation is very practice oriented and leaves room for small producers and producers focussing on biofuels instead till 2015. The long ...

Thermoelectric enters the market increasing ICE efficiencies

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:59:01 +0100
Komatsu now offers power generators driven by the engine exhaust gas. The efficiency is 7.2% only but a first step is made. source ...

U.S.A. EPA SmartWay programme certifying energy saving tires

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:39:33 +0100
Within the SmartWay program maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency cleaner, more efficient truck technologies are promoted. The certified vehicles have to use certified parts. For tires low rolling resistance is the criterion. Energy savi ...

Hybrid Tractors delivering Coke

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:58:02 +0100
Coca Cola announcement to add 185 hybrid electric trucks to those in its existing fleet of heavy duty hybrid trucks. Those new vehicles will be used for semi-trailers and using Eatons hybrid power train. A motor/generator, working with the transmi ...

Cash for scrapping old cars may increase CO2

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:25:27 +0100
The discussion might be ending earlier if the rules are less open. In Germany age and EURO standard are criteria, but what about CO₂? If you trade a 750kg sedan with 1.5 engine (7-8l/ gasoline100km) for a 1750kg Van (8-9l diesel/100km), y ...

Ecodriving and Navigation Team

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:33:21 +0100
ecoRoute – Garmin'a free software update for compatible nuevi products allows users to select the most fuel-efficient route and even track their fuel usage. With ecoRoute, drivers will be able to save gas and money by adopting smarter drivi ...

CO2 related motorbike tax in Spain

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:25:56 +0100
The new tax is influenced by the CO₂-emission but also the brake power: 80 - 100 g/km 4.75% 100 - 120 g/km 9.75% > 120 g or > 74 kW 14.75% source in Spanish In ...

Ecomodding in Japan

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:04:53 +0100
In some modding shops you can buy parts improving the fuel economy of your Prius further. Some photos however reveal lack of consequence - looking at the spectacular rims. But you may opt for
fender skirts
side skirts
bumpers< ...

The return of market driven economy

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:41:31 +0100
Whilst in the past years it was not clear whether human beings are driven by advertising and tendencies to show-off, we now see a return of the homo oeconomicus. Efficient economy needs producers adapting to the needs of the consumers and pe ...

Germany funding fuel guzzlers

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:17:51 +0100
The new scheme to support spendings does not focus on CO₂. This means that vehicle with unlimitetd CO₂ emission will profit from the financial incentives. This is the second bad message of the day: After London made a similar st ...

Crisis watering down European CO2 limits for cars?

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:51:16 +0100
The compromise foresses "only" 65% achievement of the 120g/km limit for 2012 for newly licensed cars. But this value will climb quickly 100% till 2015. This certainly give the German automakers the time to etsablish the vehicles on the market, Italia ...

Celebrating the phase out of the dinosaurs

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:12:57 +0100
On Nov. 26th the last SUV left Fords factory in Michigan U.S.A. The plant is now retooled to produce smaller more fuel efficient cars. source Fro ...

Ecological Drive Assist turns blue if you drive red

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:17:41 +0100
Hondas system changes the background light of the speedometer depending on your driving style. The system is abbreviated EDAS Ecological Drive Assist System source ...

Ecodriving with boats

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:15:38 +0100
Besides, speed reduction and engine maintenance fuel saving may be achieved by also a proper load balancing. source ...

Japanese Logistics Company saves 21% fuel

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:11:18 +0100
Miyam Inc. based in Nagano, Japan has an outstanding record in ecodriving. The campaign did not only focus on driver training but also comprises routing optimisation. source ...

Does RECODRIVE promote Hypermiling?

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:58:04 +0100
We recently learned that the Oxford word of the year might be hypermiling, e.g. attempting to maximize fuel economy by making fuel-conserving adjustments to one's car and one's driving techniques. RECODRIVE is happy to see that such activities find i ...

Seat Reduces Vehicle Weight and Vehicle Length

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:07:35 +0100
Performance of the new seat with improved yield strength::
15% less weight
40mm less thickness
results in reduced vehicle length and fuel savings. More weight may be saved because the new seat also reduces the fixation poin ...

Aerodynamic tuning with Hondas Civic

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:16:03 +0100
Mixed feelings when having a look at the photos. Certainly aerodynamics were improved, but the car looks aggressive and sporty... source ...

Start'n Stop System With Trucks Cuts Idling Saving 2.8% Fuel

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:57:09 +0100
We won't call it hybrid power trains but for urban delivery using trucks there might be fuel savings on the horizon. Mercedes started to offer stop'n start automatic in its ATEGO medium load trucks (source in German). Th ...

Volvo debuts Hybrid Electric Bus

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:19:39 +0100
Claims to save 30% with the I-Sam parallel hybrid. Would be interesting knowing what the price premium for the hybrid plate is compared to other brands (MAN, Solaris) which are also offering hybrid buses. source ...

France is new member in the CO2-taxation team

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 09:55:16 +0100
France opted to introduce a bonus-malus system having an additional allowance for children. They also introduced a threshold for FFV, preventing biofuel SUV and van beautification. source or ...

Four persons - two wheels

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:21:54 +0100
If you thought that you need a car to bring your three children to school - take that: video This is the most versatile lean solution I have ever seen. If you have only two c ...

ECODRIVING on YouTube

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:58:48 +0100
Microsoft and Fiat have teamed to set-up a nice tool which uses data transfer via USB stick from car to PC. Here are some nice videos explaining: view Claudia source ...

Taxi Drivers need no Ecodriving?

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:22:18 +0200
Watch your taxis fuel gauge and wonder what happens. A recent glimpse revealed a consumption of 9.4 l/100km for a diesel limousine with automatic gear at an average velocity of 26km/h. This accounts to a fuel bill of 3€ per hour. We may lear ...

How far for 100 bucks?

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:02:44 +0200
Yes its a US-based site but the idea is tremendous. Aligned on a road you find the most fuel efficient vehicles. Shifting to highway cycle the Toyota Prius looses the advantage over the Honda. source Plea ...

Lobbyists vs. European Commission 0:1

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:44:07 +0200
The recent vote in the environmental committee has given hope that the European Commission will stick to the 2012 target of 120 g CO₂/km. It would be a shame not doing so - battery electric microcars manage having 45 g CO₂/km. ...

State incentives proposed in Germany

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:37:52 +0200
The social democrats are proposing to have a max. support of 1800€ for A ranked vehicles. Talks with retailers will follow. source in German We a ...

Tax deduction of company cars limited to 140 g CO2 /km

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:55:18 +0200
The German Minister for the Environment Gabriel proposed to introduce a new incentive for users of company cars. The fuel expenses may only deducted from the tax basis limited by the amount of fuel accounting for 140 g CO₂/km. ...

Rational and unwise?

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:25:38 +0200
Global speculation seems to have its counterpart in the behaviour of private individuals. In the U.S.A experts complain about the prominence of economy cars with bad emission and safety data- the Geo Metro. source. In ...

Ecodriving all over Europe

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:08:09 +0200
Two brands are promoting Ecodriving in Europe now: Toyota and Volvo- of course this is much cheaper for them than to have those fuel guzzlers eliminated from the the sales programme. And the promised 10% saving is realistic but way lower compared to ...

Noise Cancelling Electronics Allows Better Fuel Efficiency

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:37:01 +0200
Sometimes the engineering has to include human factors. Lowering further the engines RPM to get a better fuel efficiency is paired with "muffled noise". Toyota applied an electronic noise cancelling system in its Hybrid Crown. source ...

Best Ever Hybrid Seeked

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:31:01 +0200
The Honda Civic Hybrid may get a 1.3L i-VTEC engine with Honda's IMA hybrid technology, which may result in better fuel economy compared to the Toyota Prius engine which may increase in size soon. There are still no published plans for a CNG hybrid w ...

120g CO2/km in two steps - will battery electric profit?

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:32:29 +0200
The Industry and Energy Committee proposed: 60 percent of vehicles will have to pass the new threshold of 120 g CO₂/km in 2012, the rest in 2015. Extremely low emission vehicles with less than 50 g/km of CO₂ will also be given ...

Ecodriving With Battery Electric Vehicles Saves 1/3

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:37:20 +0200
This might be an unique information given the scarcity of battery electric vehicles. Not surprisingly for the fact but the amount - the consumption per 100km dropped from more than 11 kWh to 7.4kWh. This may be caused by the individual cell control ...

Take a Light Seat

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 21:26:23 +0200
Vehicle weight directly influences the fuel consumption, therefore new lighter seats are needed. We had already seen some new seat mockup at the Geneva Auto Show, but now Toyota Boshoku confirms that they work on an industrial solution for the fram ...

Are You a Fuel Economy Champ?

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 21:22:38 +0200
If you want to record your refuelling data and compare to others (and use imperial units) you may want using fuelly.com. This site seams a little weak compared to the German Spritmonitor portal. D ...

Another 10% Increase in Engine Efficiency Possible?

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:29:22 +0200
Coming across studies investigating thermo electric energy regeneration from waste energy in combustion engines, we wonder about potential implementations. The Thermoelectric Generator Module (TGM) has a typical electric output of 700-1000W in truck ...

3000 miles with one tank

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:49:23 +0200
A nice road show is happening in the USA. Willi Nelson will drive from New York to Los Angeles without stopping for refuelling. (project site) ...

Validated Fuel Economy for Passenger Cars

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:14:18 +0200
CO₂/km labels at auto shows are a fake. Real world test of British 4Car gave the following ranking:

Toyota Aygo 5.2 l/100km petrol 122 g CO₂/km
Mini Cooper D 4.6 l/100km diesel 123 g CO₂/km

Multi trick pony - sorry car

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:08:24 +0200
Soaring fuel prices trigger creativity amongst auto makers. BMW revealed a mild hybrid electrix X5. This is nothing to be emphasized but we recognise some nice tricks which help boosting fuel economy:
a solar panel is warming the gear oil, an ...

Answering 4$ per gallon fuel price

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:57:19 +0200
GM, beaten by heavy losses of it shares, responded to customer questions. We here bring you the technical measures of GM's market models:
active fuel management- activating and deactivating cylinders
tire pressure monitor
reca ...

Hybrid for the city roads

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 09:05:16 +0200
While the Toyota Prius introduces itself in Taxi fleets, competitors prepare for the market introduction. Nissan however will firstly introduce a battery electric vehicle. While Japanese and US-citizens may buy from 2010 on, others have to wait for 2 ...

Force Feedback Throttle saves 5-10%

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:27:42 +0200
Nissan introduced an acceleration pedal which increases the spring force when approaching inefficient conditions. The system is accompanied wit an eco pedal indicator in the dashboard. We are waiting to see such a system combined with radar sensor av ...

Smart Smarter Smartest

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:22:49 +0200
It is now coming to most of our mind that its not economic riding a vehicle weighing one to two tons to transport one person. Smart has broken the barriers to small vehicles and Topia tops the design using an even smaller safety cell for single pers ...

German Highway Driving a Fuel Waste!

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:45:57 +0200
In order to protect the engines some manufacturers are using less combustion air above 160km/h. Since the emissions are not regulated in those areas the air excess rate may fall down to 0.7. This burns additional 2-2.5l per 100 km but protects the ex ...

Upper Austria introduces funding for efficient and clean vehicles

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:11:03 +0200
With August 1st passenger cars with maximal CO₂-emission of 110 g/km get 750 Euro. Battery electric vehicles fed with so called Oekostrom (electricity from renewable sources) get another 500 €. Battery electric two wheelers get 3 ...

High Fuel Price Results in Lower Consumption in Austria

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:44:09 +0200
The high fuel price has resulted in decreased fuel consumption. Gasoline was 10% lower and diesel 5%. This clearly shows that there is some flexibility in demand. Source Kleine Zeitung July 30th 2008, p. 29 ...

European Tire Policy

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:54:27 +0200
The European Commission intends to introduce thresholds for tires for the following parameters
grip under wet conditions
noise
rolling resistance
The last parameter will be limited with 12 kg/metric ton starting with ...

Ecodriving Gadgets Illegal?

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 19:05:26 +0200
Adjustable Shift Light s are sold below 100€. Vibrations are used and 4, 6, or 8 cylinder engines are sensed. The rpm for the shift indication may be set by the user. But the devices are marked as not complying with road traffic regulation ...

Big Ecodriving Campaign in Austria

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:52:03 +0200
The Austrian Ministry for the Environment and Agriculture (Lebensministerium) has rolled out a big campaign using ads in all media, most innovative banners in online media. Trainings are supported financially for 100 drivers. more... ...

Were are the small efficient vehicles?

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:41:56 +0200
According to a German survey 36.1 percent of the respondents want to opt for a small vehicle, having a reduced consumption (source). The first round of offers from th ...

Search for demonstrators

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:40:49 +0200
The project offers support to fleets implementing recognition and rewarding schemes - please contact the partners in your country. The aim is saving more than 10% (white paper,

Efficient combustion engines reach the market

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:07:56 +0200
After it was more than clear that fuel guzzlers are outdated - we see new efficient engines. One example is the Kappa 1.25 engine from Hyundai. The good fuel economy is achieved by reducing internal friction:
offset crankshaft
coati ...

860 Hybrid Buses for London till 2012

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:18:28 +0200
While Germany transport operators are still testing, Transport for London has set ambitious goals with regards to energy saving technology. 11% of the fleet will be replaced by hybrid electric buses. The financing will be done partly by the income fr ...

How far you may go with 5l gasoline?

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:44:25 +0200
The TV channel N24 featured a comparison of three vehicles.
scooter with two stroke spark ignition engine
small car with spark ignition engine
battery electric car charged via power generator
The small car was reduc ...

Official CO2-labels may be 30% wrong

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:07:28 +0200
The bad message to buyers of small efficient cars. Trying to follow the New European Driving Cycle with velocities up to 130 km/h and strong acceleration, smaller engines might consume more than the official label says. A test published in the Austri ...

Fuel Prices As Driver For Less Driving

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:42:27 +0200
Pin that chart to your walls... 'U.S. gasoline demand will likely decline in 2008 for the first time in more than 17 years,' says the report to be released Thursday. 'For the first time since the 1970s and early 1980s the number of miles driven by A ...

World Green Car Award

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:12:09 +0200
The BMW 118d was chosen ahead of 10 other environmentally friendly production vehicles for the World Green Car of the Year. The Mercedes Benz Smart fortwo cdi and the Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI were the two other top three contenders. source ...

Paradigm Shift Commuting Cars

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:25:34 +0200
While production plants for fuel guzzler disappear, we see now new types of vehicles on the horizon like the Carver One. We are looking forward to light vehicles with bette ...

Heureka! CO2 tax fixed in Germany

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 22:21:27 +0200
Not as intended but finally the coalition agreed on a linear tax which is levied yearly only for newly bought vehicles. Details will follow. And now for something similar: In Canada bicycles are exchanged for old cars (as from 1995). May be this i ...

GMs CEO Mr. Wagoner announces closure of four SUV assembling lines

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:46:52 +0200
GM's CEO introduced a new strategy phasing out SUV's and bringing the Volt to the market by 2010. Be the electric force with them. Four assembling lines will be closed and focus is on the 40 MPG vehicle which equals approx. 6l/100km (gasoline of co ...

Bad practice of CO2 purchase taxation for cars

Fri, 23 May 2008 22:38:12 +0200
While Germany is still debating taxation there are only nine countries having CO₂ based procurement taxes in Europe. Austria, The Netherlands and Portugal have lower purchase taxes for procuring efficient cars. In Denmark, Sweden and Great ...

New motor oil doubles saving

Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:41 +0200
While the savings were 1% so far a new type of oil may save up to 2%, the producer claims. Since the fuel price is sky rocketing investing in fuel saving measures pays off quickly. more ...

Get your F1 wheel coverings

Mon, 19 May 2008 23:53:04 +0200
In an attempt to reduce aerodynamic drag Ferrari revolutionized the wheel cover in Formula One. See the picture here ...

Marketing vs. Product Quality?

Wed, 07 May 2008 18:55:51 +0200
In the last days we have seen a couple of attempts to cheat the customers. Marketing departments try to sell their fuel guzzlers by
refunding CO₂-taxes
guaranteeing a stable fuel price
The so called "Steuerfluchtw ...

Learning to live in a changing world

Thu, 01 May 2008 16:42:06 +0200
Lets assume you invest 10,000€ switching to an fuel saving hybrid car, saving 1000€ per year, what is the pay back time? Doing it without inflation and oil price increase you may say 10 years. But if you have an increase of the fue ...

How much is 32 MPG?

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:06:20 +0200
The US government now demands a CAFE value of 32 MPG per 2015. Please explain: CAFE means corporate average fuel economy - this might be the reason Porsche bought Volkswagen shares... 32 MPG translate to 7.35 l/100km using this tool Is ...

Low Resistance Tires for Passenger Cars Save 0.3 to 0.5 l/100km

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:02:55 +0200
A test of summer tires by the Austrian consumer information bureau VKI revealed that the difference between the worst and the best tire is 0.3 to 0.5 l/100km. Another argument is the durability. Better values contribute to less PM-emissions. ...

China introduces taxes on fuel guzzlers...

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:38:27 +0200
The Chinese government has taken two critical steps to encourage fuel efficiency.
vehicle taxes ranging from 1 to 20 percent, based on engine size.
requirements for fuel-efficiency, with additional taxes of 5 to 15 percent on default ...

Go Trabi Go! Sachsenring beats Fiat and Volkswagen in fuel economy.

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:57:45 +0200
An analysis of the average fleet fuel economy revealed that the Sachsenring brand which had produced the famous Trabant has an average value in practice in Germany of 7.16 l petrol/100 km whereas Fiat has 7.46 l/100km and Volkswagen 8.24 l/100km. On ...

Bad car policy in Germany, even more in Switzerland, Estonia, Lithuania and Finland

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:15:26 +0200
The German CO₂-Emission of newly licensed cars being below 170 g/km is 10 grams over the European average being 159 g/km. The worst countries Switzerland, Estonia, Lithuania and Finland have 180 g/km on average. In a couple of countries ...

Driving Intelligence cuts miles by 2%

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:11:55 +0100
The US based United Parcel Service have introduced congestion optimised routing avoiding left turns. This accounted for an annual saving of 30 millions fewer miles. source The Wall Street Journal 03/13/2008 ...

Automobile Industry - ECO-vehicles on the move

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:47:46 +0100
In the last weeks there were quite some announcements so customers will be comfortable in their choice. Whilst the Smart microhybrid is labelled having 3.3 l/100km only, economic 4 seater like the VW Polo Blue Motion and its counterpart the Seat Ibiza Ecomotive and ...

Policy - Large Differences in Car-Labelling in Europe

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:43:20 +0100
While in some countries like the UK we see strong support for correct customer information, in others the regulations are not efficient. Thus in the image leaflets cars are presented without data comprising marketing speak only, escaping the need fo ...