Connected device aims to help motorists drive in a more environmentally friendly way
A trial using a connected device to help motorists drive in a more environmentally friendly way has reported an overall 16 per cent improvement in vehicle efficiency.
The pilot programme offered 100 drivers real-time feedback on the safety and efficiency of their driving techniques over an eight-week period in May.
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It used a new telematics device called Lightfoot from Exeter-based firm AshWoods, which was mounted on the car's dashboard and connected to a central server using technology from digital security firm Gemalto.
The device aims to change driver behaviour in "a rapid but sustainable way", said Gemalto, rather than simply delivering data for retrospective analysis. As well as offering guidance, the system also aims to encourage improved performance using gamification incentives, with drivers eligible to win prizes once they reach certain statuses such as 'Elite Driver'.
"Lightfoot employs cutting-edge technology to encourage and reward, better driving, improved fuel efficiency and reductions in CO2 emissions," said Calum Roke, senior development engineer for Ashwoods, in a statement.
The pilot was also supported by Exeter City Council through its Exeter City Futures programme, and AshWoods is working with them to expand the scheme beyond the initial 100 participants, while the devices are now available for pre-order.
In related green vehicle news, Houston-based electric car charging firm EVgo yesterday announced it has completed a segment of its fast-charging network in Colorado.
With the addition of five new stations in the Colorado Springs area, the firm has now installed 18 of its 50kW fast-charging stations along the corridor, meaning it is operating a total of over 750 fast chargers across the US.
"More and more drivers are finding that electric vehicles are not only better for the environment, but fun to drive and better for their wallets," said Terry O'Day, vice president of EVgo, in a statement. "Our extensive network serving thousands of drivers in Colorado has brought range confidence to the Front Range."
The news comes several days after Italian electric motorcycle maker Energica announced plans to install a series of fast charge points targeting popular motorcycle routes.
The firm said it will invest up to €1m to both facilitate access to existing chargers and co-finance the installations of additional ones, with the first round of installations set to go ahead in areas of Italy and California by spring 2017.
"Automotive industry and governments are investing on the main corridors but motorcyclists like riding mountains/hills/sea roads often located far away from them," the firm said in a statement. "Energica will fill the gap to guarantee EV motorcycle rides."
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