Garmin Eco-Route cable will sell for $149, could appear soon
Garmin EcoRoute screen shots - click above for image gallery
At last January's Consumer Electronics Show, Garmin announced a new optional extra for its Nuvi GPS system. The Eco-Route adds the ability for 1xxx series Nuvis to display a variety of vehicle information about what is going on in the engine. The cable plugs into the cars OBD-II diagnostic communications port to read out an array of data including fuel and air information, throttle position, combustion mixture and more. The system also includes a driving challenge that users can use to help train themselves to drive more efficiently. In addition, the Nuvi now allows drivers to select a more economical route that may or may not be the fastest or shortest route. The connection cable is priced at $149 but no on-sale date has been announced. It could be shipping before the end of the year or early 2010.
Gallery: Garmin EcoRoute screen shots
[Source: GPSCity via Engadget]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
wincros 5:55PM (11/09/2009)
Sorry, but this just seems avaricious to me. The information and function is a great idea, but snaking a cable when there is built in Bluetooth seems like a half hearted solution. Charging $149 for a computer cable is just ridiculous.
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Dan 10:14PM (11/09/2009)
re: :...but snaking a cable when there is built in Bluetooth seems like a half hearted solution."
Currently, (as far as I know) Bluetooth in vehicles are only connected to the entertainment sys/Radio. Also the only way to get engine data is thru the obd2 port.
Unless, they developed a bluetooth plug for the obd2 port, and that it wouldnt conflict with cellphone use, I doubt its an option.
That said, $149 for a cable on top of device cost is a lot if not ridiculous.
Unless, you already have the correct garmin device. The scan gauge II is probably the better /cost effect choice... unless your desperate for the graphics/driving coach.
ForgedInternals 6:02PM (11/09/2009)
149 is alot when you consider you also have to get or have one of their 200+ GPS. I think a scan gauge II goes for 149 and Auto Meter has an Eco-gauge now
http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/garmin-eco-route-cable-will-sell-for-149-could-appear-soon/
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ForgedInternals 6:07PM (11/09/2009)
whoops wrong URL
http://www.autometer.com/ecometer/features.aspx
Doug 7:27PM (11/09/2009)
This kind of thing should become common. What seems to be missing here, though, is a cloud connection with up to the minute traffic info.
I suspect pretty soon this will be completely covered by Google on people's phones or will become a standard feature on automobile center consoles. Garmen has to do what it can before all their business is stolen.
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Laurens 4:02AM (11/10/2009)
Navigation systems integrated in the car's electronics fed with real time data about traffic flows, it will sure help most people to save energy. So you can get some mileage out of your EV, in stead of using it to drag race ICE's :-)
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