OCT 30

They say knowledge is power, but in this case, it's greater fuel efficiency. Ford has announced they will be installing SmartGauge with EcoGuide instruments in the Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, coming in 2010.

The instrument provides real-time information on the hybrids' fuel economy and allows drivers to select what level of detail they want displayed. These levels are:

• Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
• Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
• Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
• Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption

Long-term fuel efficiency is displayed as either a chart or as growing leaves and vines with the leaves and vines becoming thicker as efficiency increases. The gauge also compares current fuel economy with previous trips allowing drivers to make adjustments based on the feedback.

While we all wait for the many hybrid and EV options coming in 2010 and their respective built-in gadgets, there's a new application for the iPhone and iPod Touch that monitors any car's fuel efficiency. The greenMeter weighs the vehicle's tonnage and price of gas against driving style, using the iPhone's built-in accelerometer. The application then turns out real-time information including miles per gallon and carbon footprint.

The success of the application depends upon the driver inputting accurate information on the vehicle, but for only $5.99, it may be worth a little extra effort.

via Jalopnik and Green Inc.

Comments (7)

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written by Ken Roberts, October 30, 2008

Don't forget GPS! Mine has saved innumerable gallons of fuel, by getting me directly where I need to go. It is especially useful for those of us that move or travel often. A good GPS will more than pay for itself in fuel and time savings.

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G1 Has a Green App. Too
written by Dustin Mauser, October 30, 2008

I just looked into the new Google phone's applications, and there is a featured application that tracks your carbon footprint as well. The neat thing about this one is that it instantly offers you suggestions for offsetting your carbon footprint. It has built in databases that provide options such as a carpooling where it lists many people who either need a ride to the same location that you are traveling or people who are willing to take a passenger to the same location, etc. It's pretty neat.
http://www.ecorio.org/blog/

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written by nicster, October 31, 2008

I'm firmly convinced that merely requiring a basic actual average MPG display screen that resets periodically (e.g., every fillup or every hundred miles) on all new vehicles would increase gas mileage by at least several percent on every car. These devices are, of course, much better but the simple meter will still make a pretty big dent.

I know you can buy them for $20-30 for newer cars but very few people do (even though they'll pay for themselves after just a few fillups).

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Common Sense
written by Troy Sherk, October 31, 2008

I'm convinced that all you need is a gas guage, tripometer, tachometer, and speedometer for any and all calculations. I drive a '96 Grand Prix and accurately measure my MPG and fuel economy by a simple glance at the tachometer and knowing which gear I'm in and which one I should be in for any given speed. Familiarity with your car and its shifting patterns will save more gas than any distracting digital display. Get rid of them and give me analog!

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written by Andrew, November 01, 2008

Not sure those vines are gonna provide much information.

Think this is the first and last time we see that little idea.

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I SMELL GOOD!
written by shelby, November 18, 2008

;D ily all you peeps out there have a very nice day with all my love ladys!!! Omg why are people typing on here its all about muah!!! P.S. i fart A LOT!!!! love you handsome and you know who you are!!! and you should try farting once its AMAZING!!!!!!! love your baby!!

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I smell awesome!
written by makenzie, November 18, 2008

hey whats up everybody?!?! ily all. have a great day haha lol ily again Peace! I always think of myself and i am Princess!!

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