METHODOLOGY:

Researchers of the Peacox project in Europe set out to explore the effects of an onboard eco-driving feedback tool on driver behavior to help lessen the CO2 emissions of vehicles. They wanted to create a tool to help drivers make decisions about the most optimal routes to take in terms of exposure to particulate matter. The tool examined real-time data concerning current location, traffic conditions and emission concentrations detected from monitoring stations. The information was then presented to drivers, who would adjust their driving accordingly. The model also provided users with estimates of how efficiently drivers were performing in relation to their fuel consumption per kilometer. Reductions in idling time, fuel consumption and speeding were all detected, further translating to a reduction in emissions.

The trial study was carried out from January 2012 to October 2012. For the study, five groups of vehicles were analyzed, with each group differing in its level of access to the onboard driver feedback and to the GPS webfleet tool.

RESULTS:

• Groups receiving onboard information had weekly average idling times of 8, 8, and 10 minutes, with average reductions of CO2 emissions by percentages of 6, 4, 4, respectively.
• Groups that were not receiving any onboard information had idling times of 12 and 23 minutes, with average reductions of CO2 emissions by percentages of 3 and 0, respectively.

**Results were all measured in reference to the control group that did not incorporate the webfleet tool or the onboard driver feedback tool.