In the quest for sustainable mobility, a groundbreaking study led by Tasneem Miqdady from the Transport Research Centre, TRANSyT, at the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, has shed new light on the effectiveness of eco-driving techniques across different urban and interurban settings. Published in the World Electric Vehicle Journal, the research delves into the energy-saving potential of eco-driving in electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, offering valuable insights for the energy sector and automotive industry.
The study, conducted across Spain’s diverse road networks, involved over 500 test runs in both small and large cities, providing a comprehensive analysis of eco-driving efficiency. Miqdady and her team found that eco-driving can significantly reduce energy consumption, but its effectiveness varies depending on the type of vehicle, transmission system, and driving environment.
In urban settings, EVs emerged as the clear winners, with eco-driving techniques reducing energy consumption by up to 30.4% in large cities like Madrid. This substantial saving can be attributed to the regenerative braking systems in EVs, which convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, recharging the battery during deceleration. “The regenerative braking in EVs is a game-changer,” Miqdady explained. “It allows us to recapture energy that would otherwise be lost, making eco-driving particularly effective in stop-and-go urban traffic.”
Automatic ICE vehicles also showed impressive results, with energy savings of up to 29.55% in local streets. The smoother acceleration and better idling control of automatic transmissions contribute to these savings, making them a strong contender in urban eco-driving.
However, the story changes when we shift to interurban roads. Here, manual ICE vehicles took the lead, achieving the highest savings of 20.31%. The ability to maintain a steady speed and minimize unnecessary acceleration makes manual transmissions more efficient in highway driving. This finding underscores the importance of considering transmission type when developing eco-driving strategies.
The study also highlighted the influence of city size on eco-driving effectiveness. In smaller cities like Caceres, eco-driving led to more consistent savings across different road types due to lower congestion and smoother traffic flow. In contrast, larger cities like Madrid presented more challenges, with frequent disruptions caused by congestion reducing the effectiveness of eco-driving strategies.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector and the future of sustainable mobility? The findings of this study provide a roadmap for optimizing eco-driving strategies, tailoring them to specific road types, city sizes, and vehicle characteristics. For energy companies, this means investing in technologies that support eco-driving, such as advanced regenerative braking systems and intelligent energy management solutions.
For automakers, the study underscores the need to consider transmission type and vehicle design when developing eco-friendly models. The future of sustainable mobility lies in a holistic approach that considers the interplay between vehicle technology, driving behavior, and urban infrastructure.
As we look ahead, the integration of AI-driven eco-driving applications and real-time optimization holds promise for further improving energy efficiency. By leveraging empirical data and advanced analytics, we can refine energy consumption models, optimize route recommendations, and enhance overall system efficiency.
This research, published in the World Electric Vehicle Journal, marks a significant step forward in our understanding of eco-driving. As Miqdady puts it, “The future of sustainable mobility is not just about the vehicles we drive, but how we drive them. By optimizing eco-driving strategies, we can make a real difference in reducing energy consumption and emissions.”
The implications of this study are far-reaching, offering a blueprint for policymakers, urban planners, and industry stakeholders to work together towards a more sustainable future. As we continue to innovate and adapt, the insights from this research will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of energy-efficient vehicles and smart transportation systems.
