"Eco Pedal" Coming Next Year

pennypinch · #1 08-05-2008, 03:20 AM

Nissan vehicles will soon have a new available gas saving feature called the "Eco Pedal" system. This new system is expected to improve fuel efficiency by 10%.

This system will actually push the gas pedal up when the driver is trying to accelerate too fast which wastes fuel. Also, a light on the dash will alert the driver of this. It will flash and change colors.

This system uses how fast fuel is being burned and other factors to calculate if the driver is speeding up too quickly.

This feature will have the ability to be turned off.

The Nissan company says this system will be put in place to help drivers become more fuel efficient. This is part of their strategy to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

My only concern about this Eco Pedal is what if you get into a situation where you really need to be able to accelerate quickly to avoid getting into an accident. Will this system allow you to do that?

moneysense · #2 08-05-2008, 06:15 AM

I understand your concern about having to speed up in a dangerous situation.

My other concern, is, will there be fail safes put in place on this new feature? Has any rigorous testing been done on this? Has it been extended testing? Or, is this just a case of it looks like it should work, so lets do it?

I would be very sceptical of this feature for several safety reasons.