New pedal pushes back when you’re wasting fuel
Auto parts maker Bosch has invented a pedal that alerts drivers when they are pushing too hard on the gas, potentially hurting their car’s gas mileage.
In a statement, the auto parts maker points out the driver’s foot is responsible for one-quarter of fuel consumption. As a response, the company announced its “active gas pedal,’’ which alerts drivers to their lead-footed driving behavior by sending a light buzzing signal through the driver’s foot.
According to Bosch, the gas pedal could improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by as much as 7 percent. For example, it could signal to a driver that it is time to switch gears to avoid over-revving.
Auto parts maker Bosch claims the new “active gas pedal’’ can improve fuel efficiency for vehicles and safety for motorists.
“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 Bosch.
In the case of green vehicles, Bosch says the device could alert the driver to switch to hybrid mode when necessary. In terms of safety, the device can alert the driver if they are driving too fast. It also connects through the cloud to external data that comes from other vehicles and connected infrastructure, which can be used to alert the vehicle about an upcoming traffic jam and then warn the driver to slow down.
It’s not immediatley clear when Bosch’s active gas pedal will head to production.
h/t: Fast Company
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