A typology of in-vehicle eco-driving feedback

Abstract

Eco-driving is a promising strategy for reductions in fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Eco-driving is most frequently promoted via in-vehicle feedback. Eco-driving feedback studies demonstrate fuel economy improvements up to 18 %, but results are widely variable—partly due to the wide variation in feedback design. This paper addresses the need for a greater understanding of how variations in eco-driving feedback design are related to its effectiveness. We identified characteristics of feedback with implications for behavior change based on behavioral theory and evaluation of a large sample of in-vehicle eco-driving feedback interfaces. We developed a typology of in-vehicle eco-driving feedback interfaces based on these characteristics. We identified 15 distinct types of in-vehicle eco-driving feedback interfaces. We describe each feedback type and discuss implications for feedback design. Our typology provides a foundation for subsequent research to determine most effective feedback types for particular behaviors, drivers, and driving conditions.