Abstract
The commercial vehicle sector is characterized by high competitive pressure. Fuel consumption is one major factor that influences the transport efficiency and competitiveness of logistics companies. Therefore, an eco-driving assistance system (EDAS) is developed in order to support the driver in sustainably maintaining an efficient driving style—the Virtual Driving Coach (ViDCo). In this paper, we describe the design and development process of ViDCo as well as results of the first steps of evaluation and preliminary testing. An EDAS is developed that uses knowledge of infrastructure based on digital maps in order to proactively and predictively provide the driver with driving advice. The system’s algorithms are structured within the modules “situation detection”, “driving error detection”, and “message filtering and prioritization”. The evaluation of ViDCo comprises preliminary field-testing on public roads as well as a driving simulator experiment. Driving tests show that the Virtual Driving Coach is capable of enhancing fuel efficiency for commercial vehicles in real-world scenarios. The results of the driving simulator experiment indicate a positive level of user acceptance and system safety. Furthermore, the results point towards a positive correlation between user acceptance and the subjects’ judgment of learning. The Virtual Driving Coach’s concept is a promising approach for efficient and environmentally friendly road transport.
Highlights
Rising fuel costs have become a major cost driver for logistics companies and contribute to nearly 30 % of Germany’s long distance transportation costs (Fig. 1).Commercial vehicle manufacturers have been able to achieve significant savings by modifying vehicle designs and improving engine efficiency [1, p. 4]
We describe the design of an eco-driving assistance system (EDAS) for heavy commercial vehicles—the Virtual Driving Coach
Afterwards, we describe the methods and results of surveys which were conducted during a driving simulator experiment [11]
Summary
Rising fuel costs have become a major cost driver for logistics companies and contribute to nearly 30 % of Germany’s long distance transportation costs (Fig. 1).Commercial vehicle manufacturers have been able to achieve significant savings by modifying vehicle designs and improving engine efficiency [1, p. 4]. Rising fuel costs have become a major cost driver for logistics companies and contribute to nearly 30 % of Germany’s long distance transportation costs (Fig. 1). Commercial vehicle manufacturers have been able to achieve significant savings by modifying vehicle designs and improving engine efficiency [1, p. Despite these efforts, the driver’s driving style still has a significant impact on fuel consumption. From fuel efficiency training programs it is a well-known fact that truck drivers can reduce fuel consumption and component wear. Geiler [2] found short-term fuel savings of about 7 % through driver training, which deteriorated to 4 % within 10 months. In a study conducted by Wahlberg [3] regarding eco-driving training, professional drivers reduced their fuel consumption by 6 % in the short term.
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