Automobile technological features save $6.2 billion annually

The first study to evaluate the effects of smart technologies on fuel consumption shows that a remarkable $6.2 billion amount is saved annually.

The researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology conducted a pioneering study that focuses on the energy impact of applied technology on vehicles. Until today, most studies focused on the social impacts of high-tech features introduced on transportation industry.

The research showed that a low-level automated vehicle could reduce its fuel consumption by 6%-23%. On average, this percentage is translated into 27-119 less gallons of fuel and about $60-$266 savings per year. Yeganeh Hayeri, an assistant professor at Stevens, expert in civil and environmental engineering and public policy, stated: “That’s not insignificant. That translates to between $60 and $266 in the pocket of car owners every year, not to mention additional savings created for each driver due to more smoothly-flowing traffic, fewer accidents and aerodynamic efficiency of all other vehicles on the road.”

Authors conducted a detailed review about the energy and safety impacts of automated technology which was divided into 3 groups:

· Warning systems, (e.g. for blind spots, speed limit detection, lane departures and traffic warnings)

· Control systems (e.g. collision avoidance breaking, adaptive cruise control and active braking)

· Information systems (e.g. dynamic route guidance and parking aid systems)

Authors intend to use the data derived from their study to optimize future transportation, making vehicles safer and reducing the environmental impact of automobiles.

Source: Stevens.edu