A driver’s foot is responsible for one-quarter of fuel consumption, according to Bosch. Until now, the only thing that could be done about this rule of thumb was to drive gently and take eco-driving courses. Now, however, Bosch has developed a technical aid in the shape of the “active” gas pedal: its gentle vibration tells drivers when they have crossed the line from light touch to lead foot.
“The Bosch active gas pedal helps drivers save fuel – and alerts them to potentially dangerous situations as well,” said Stefan Seiberth, president of the Gasoline Systems division of Robert Bosch GmbH. If the vehicle has an assistance system, the pedal also becomes a warning indicator. Coupled with the navigation system or a camera that recognizes road signs, the innovative Bosch gas pedal gives drivers a haptic warning signal if, for example, they are approaching a dangerous bend at speeds that are too high. The active gas pedal is designed to help drivers to be more light-footed on the accelerator. The feedback they get from the pedal allows them to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 7 percent, according to Bosch. CO2 emissions also are reduced accordingly, the company says.
This is possible because the gas pedal can be networked with other automotive functions, such as the transmission. Until now, the only indication drivers have had of the best time to shift gear has been in the form of small arrows on the instrument display. The active gas pedal comes with the option of a palpable indication of the best time to shift gears. “The pedal tells the driver when the economy and acceleration curves intersect,” said Seiberth. If the driver still wants to accelerate some more before shifting gear, however, applying a little extra pressure is enough.
Hybrids: advance warning of when the combustion engine will restart
Additional fuel-saving potential is available in conjunction with start-stop coasting, i.e. when the engine is stopped while still moving at speed in order to save fuel. Bosch estimates that the engine can be stopped in this way on 30 percent of all journeys. The gas pedal can be set to give an alert as soon as coasting mode makes sense. With advancing powertrain electrification, this technology has further benefits to offer. The pedal also opens up a lot of fuel-saving potential in hybrids, Bosch says, since it lets drivers know when the combustion engine is about to take over from the electric motor, so they can lighten the amount of pressure on the gas pedal.
However, fuel economy is not the only benefit of the active gas pedal. It also can make cars safer as well. The component can be connected with a whole series of assistance systems. In connection with collision warning systems, for example, the system can create a vibrating signal warning drivers not to accelerate any further. A simple change to the software settings is all that is needed to tailor the type and force of haptic feedback to automakers’ specifications.
The gas pedal goes online: signals warn of wrong-way drivers or traffic jams ahead
The Bosch gas pedal also can be connected with the navigation system, enabling it to warn drivers if, for example, they are approaching a sharp bend too quickly. In addition, the gas pedal can be coupled with a camera that recognizes speed-limit signs. If drivers exceed the speed limit, the gas pedal will warn them by vibrating or exerting counter-pressure. Internet connectivity opens up even more possibilities. The Bosch innovation is already designed for cars that are connected with their surroundings. And, via the vibrating pedal, the connected car will pass on warnings about dangerous situations – wrong-way drivers, unexpected congestion, crossing traffic and other hazards along the planned route – to the person at the wheel.
To learn more, go to www.bosch-gaspedal.com.
