Dr. Z thinks driver training could have as much impact on MPG as technology
In an article in the June 2007 issue of Automotive Engineering International Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche discussed some of the technologies that will lead to reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions over the next ten years. There wasn't much new that we haven't already heard numerous times before although it's clear that Zetsche isn't much of a fan of strong hybrid systems. That's probably why Daimler teamed up with GM and BMW on the development of the two mode system instead of going on their own like the usually do. More interesting than that however was Zetsche's perspective on driver training. As we've seen very clearly with hybrid vehicles, mileage is as much about the driver as it is about the technology. Hyper-milers like Randall Burkhalter can achieve well in excess of 100mpg while more typical drivers like John True barely get into the low thirties. Zetsche wants to see better driver education that will teach people how to minimize fuel consumption.
Daimler already provides such programs to truck drivers in Europe where eighty-five percent of the trucks they build are picked up from the factory by the drivers. Daimler provides an intensive course on how to maximize efficiency and it pays off. Zetsche wants to see such programs expanded to all drivers. The beauty of this approach is that it can help extract more efficiency out of the hundreds of millions of existing cars on the road without waiting a decade or more for the a significant portion of the fleet to turn over.
[Source: Automotive Engineering International - Sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Luke 10:29AM (8/06/2007)
Couldn't agree more.
I've been experimenting over the past week during my commute to work (Peugeot 307CC), and have found that regular driving gets me 30MPG, and careful driving gets me 38MPG.
Luke Coverdale
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werepants 10:40AM (8/06/2007)
I think the hypermilers are doing a great job advancing this cause - I'm not much good at it, but I can get over 40mpg in my civic when I work at it compared to 30-35 normally.
If people just learn to look ahead, it would make traffic safer, more relaxed, and the extra MPG would just be an added bonus. There's no need to accelerate straight to the red light, or to stick right behind someone and slam on the brakes and gas alternately.
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Chris 10:48AM (8/06/2007)
I drive a car with a trip computer that gives me a momentary MPG, as well as a trip/avg MPG. The same screen provides avg speed, clock, and time of travel.
I've found that I drive more conservatively when I have the MPG counter up, instead of the clock. There is a bit of a psychological element there. Just like in the Prius where drivers can see exactly how efficient their car is running.
If every manufacturer put a screen in the dash for MPG, I bet many people would become much for interested in reaching a higher number. Then consumers would see their dollars slipping away.
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grimmex 11:24AM (8/06/2007)
Well, that's great for professional drivers and do-gooders like you and me, but most drivers are neither professionals nor do-gooders. This is obvious by the number of accidents there are on the roads and by the fact that people actually own Suburbans and Hummers. If you want an actual measurable effect on fuel consumption overall, you have to ensure people have no choice in the matter.
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Tim 12:46PM (8/06/2007)
There are two problems with this.
1) Not getting run over by the semi's.
2) When the guy comming up from behind has to slam on his brakes because you're going 20-MPH below the rest of the traffic, the guy behind him will plow into his trunk then the guy behing him will... well, you get the point. But I saved 8 mpg!
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MikeW 1:36PM (8/06/2007)
No, moving to modern transmissions (I don't want to see another damn new 4 speed automatic) will save plenty of gas.
Continuous torque converter clutch slip expanded the lockup range from ~40mph to 25mph. If not more when using full throttle/full lockup. (7g-tronic, 2nd gen Zf 6 speed auto, etc.)
Hypermilers piss me off. The insight was design to operate lean and absorb the NOx emissions. When you get on the gas it is supposed to regenerate the filter. So the people who pulse/glide, and futz with the battery pack so they only operate in lean burn.
Also they pass the buck-don't do that.
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Hamster 2:04PM (8/06/2007)
Merck Frost developed an advanced technology blood pressure medicine. In order to get "good results" you must sleep 16 hours a day, not work and perform light exercise 8 hours a day.
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Peter 3:28PM (8/06/2007)
Maybe we could train drivers not to buy 500hp Mercedes products that weigh 4000lbs and get 15mpg. Now that would be progress.
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Du 7:55AM (8/07/2007)
I love how people are open about advocating that people SHOULDN'T have a choice in what to drive.
Why don't we just have an authoritarian dictatorship like the USSR under Stalin and Germany under Hitler.
Besides who died and made these people who drive low MPG cars god?
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Chris Adams 8:09AM (8/07/2007)
Re: post #8 - I just ordered a 4800lb Mercedes DIESEL (320ML CDI) that gets better mileage than an '02 4 cylinder benz (C230 Kompressor, 3300lbs) which I owned previously! And it's quicker 0-60 with that 7speed tranny. And it hauls my boat when needed, and uses less expensive fuel (at least here in FL). Now that IS progress! :)
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