Ford Device Will Aid Drivers of 2010 Fusion, Mercury Milan Hybrids Maximize Mileage
By Scott Doggett October 29, 2008
By Scott Doggett, Contributor
Building upon fuel-consumption displays found in the Toyota Prius and other vehicles, Ford announced today that its 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids will be equipped with an instrument cluster that will provide real-time information and verbal coaching to help drivers maximize fuel efficiency.
The SmartGauge with EcoGuide (pictured) will give drivers current fuel-economy data and, unique to the Ford and Mercury hybrid sedans, offer verbal encouragement to help them become mileage-maximizing motorists.
The interactive system provides four levels of information display, from a basic "Journey" mode to the content-rich "Empower" level that will present the most detail on engine performance as well as the most feedback on how to improve fuel efficiency.
The graduated levels of information are offered to appease motorists who just want the basics, others who can't get enough fuel-economy feedback, and everyone in between.
Jeff Greenberg, Ford's senior technical leader, said the main question hybrid drivers have is, "How do I know I'm getting the most out of my hybrid?" Ford's response is SmartGauge, which the automaker developed in collaboration with IDEO and Smart Design, he said.
Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of hybrid-vehicle programs, said the system will act as a friendly teacher, offering kudos to those who change their driving behavior to improve fuel economy.
For example, SmartGauge might say, "Well done, do that again," when a driver does something that's particularly energy efficient, she said.
In one of the two LCD screens on either side of the speedometer, bright green leaves and vines will indicate how fuel efficient you are driving. The more leaves and vines that appear, the more efficient your driving.
(Left, the mileage display in a 2008 Prius. Click on image to enlarge.)
"You don't have to count the leaves," Gioia said, "but if you're in a forest of leaves, you'll know you're doing well."
The system is a little like the eco-driving classes Ford offers, only instead of a coach making suggestions as the two of you cruise about, a computer does the talking.
Ford claims SmartGauge and other advances will permit the Fusion and Milan hybrids to operate longer at higher speeds in electric mode -- up to 47 miles per hour in pure electric mode, or about twice as fast as some competitors.
Also, the driving range on a single tank of gas on city streets will likely exceed 700 miles, Ford officials said.
Not to be outdone, General Motors has fitted the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV with a detailed display screen for fuel consumption, and many of GM's current models offer basic fuel-consumption information such as instantaneous and average fuel economy.
LEAVE A COMMENT