Garmin has created software for its GPS units which will help motorists reduce their fuel consumption.
ecoRoute is a software update available on several Garmin n"uvi GPS units. It will allow users to find fuel-efficient routes, calculate the running costs and fuel efficiency based on driving styles, and help drivers identify areas for improvement while driving and monitor their progress.
Garmin says the development is a result of global trends. “Everyone is being eco-friendly these days. This development is because more and more people are looking to cut back on their carbon fuel emissions and their fuel consumption levels.”
Jason Theunissen, director of sales and marketing at distributor Avnic Trading, says the ecoRoute will allow users to find more fuel-efficient routes when navigating - while tracking their fuel consumption and speed.
“ecoRoute is always visible on your n"uvi's screen so it allows you to drive with an increased awareness of your fuel economy and to adopt better driving habits,” Theunissen states.
The software - which can be downloaded from the Garmin Web site at no additional cost - will only be available on the current range, with the possibility of it becoming a main feature on future ranges.
Once ecoRoute is installed, drivers can access their vehicle profile, enter their cars' estimated fuel economy rates and the current price of petrol, and the n"uvi will calculate their running costs and fuel efficiency based on their driving style.
ecoRoute will provide users with a “less fuel” option as a routing preference. When selected, the n"uvi will determine if more fuel-efficient routes exist based upon road speed data and vehicle acceleration data for a given route.
In addition, Garmin ecoRoute's fuel report tracks fuel usage over time and the software monitors mileage and fuel usage on a per-trip basis, making it possible for motorists to keep track of distance travelled and fuel consumed for reimbursements or taxable travel allowances.
ecoRoute also evaluates driving performance around acceleration, deceleration and speed, so drivers can identify areas for improvement and monitor their progress. It also offers a driving challenge which will score motorists' driving style to determine whether they are driving efficiently.
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