Eco Buttons for Cars

If you've been looking for a new car in the past year or two, you may have noticed a new feature that's quickly becoming a standard into all models: the "eco button." Carmakers are installing the little, illuminated buttons everywhere, from hybrids to coupes, from high-horsepower sedans to massive SUVs.

This new feature allows you to transform your car into a green machine, selecting a driving mode that puts your machine’s abilities on a short leash - but only when you choose to. How does it work? Well, by pressing the eco button you tweak the accelerator (the throttle won't be as responsive or the transmission will shift into a higher gear at lower RPMs) which in turn optimizes the climate control, making the vehicle more environment-friendly.  Also, the electric systems will be tuned to reduce their energy consumption, and so on.

Here are a few examples of how these eco driving modes affect the car:

Honda: the two hybrids, CR-Z and Insight, have eco buttons and the feature will also be present in the Fit EV to increase battery range. In economy mode the electric motor assist prioritizes fuel efficiency, while the air conditioning system will reduce its overall load. The drive-by-wire throttle is optimized for smoother acceleration and maintains the lowest possible engine RPM; power and torque go down by 4% (except at wide-open throttle, which still gives full feed-back); on the CVT-equipped models the transmission ratios are optimized to be higher relative to engine RPM, and when using cruise control the throttle employs a smaller opening angle.

Infiniti: the new V8 Infiniti M comes standard with an eco button, but its efficacy can be increased if a buyer chooses the optional Technology Package. The standard setting changes throttle positioning and shift points. As an upgrade drivers can get the "Eco Pedal" that "provides feedback to encourage the driver to optimize fuel efficiency." The accelerator pedal resists a bit and vibrates underfoot when the driver gives it the lead boot. The feedback is slight, and can be easily overridden by the driver depressing further on the pedal.

Nissan: the Juke crossover’s Eco button adjusts throttle responsiveness and transmission mapping for the CVT. The new electric Nissan Leaf also has an eco button; pressing it has the same effect as for the Juke, but, since it doesn't have a traditional transmission, it provides more aggressive braking, as well as reducing the use of the air conditioning compressor.

Chevrolet: the Equinox, four-cylinder equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, comes with an eco button that locks the transmission's torque converter at lower speeds and shifts the transmission to a higher gear earlier. It has no affect on throttle response however.

Dodge: the Grand Caravan will smooth out, when in eco mode, the throttle response and shift up sooner in order to save fuel.

Toyota and Lexus: the Toyota Prius and Highlander Hybrid, and Lexus HS250, RX 450h, LS 600 hL and the new CT 200h have eco modes that tweak accelerator response and optimize the climate control. The Camry Hybrid also has a dedicated green mode, but it doesn't affect the throttle, it only adjusts the HVAC system in order to improve fuel efficiency.

Hyundai: the Sonata has an Active Eco button and so will the new Veloster. This eco button modifies the transmission shifting schedule.

Your mileage, of course, will vary, as is the case with all measures of fuel efficiency.  What are the rough results though, in numbers? Manufacturers usually estimate a 5-10% improvement, with Dodge claiming that the eco mode in the Grand Caravan is good for about one more mile per gallon. We can see that a vehicle rated at 10 combined km/L will then get anywhere from 11.20 to 11.75 km/L. That's roughly the same improvement most people would achieve if they kept their car in a proper state, with the tires inflated, or if they just drove a little less aggressively.

Buyers are asking for features that will let them spend less on gas, and eco buttons can help them do that by allowing savings. If oil prices continue their climb, these requests will surely turn into strong demands. Nevertheless, drivers don't want to sacrifice speed or comfort or ride, at least not all the time. Hence the eco button, so you can go further, if a little bit slower.

What the Eco Button adds really is the option of choice; you will be able to make a decision based on the vehicles on the market as to whether you desire speed, comfort or the feeling of saving the world. However, whatever vehicle you drive, don’t forget to have Car Insurance! ;)