Influence of Eco-driving on Fuel Consumption of Vehicles in the Following Traffic

Abstract

Ecological (eco) driving features distinct driving behavior that aims at improving fuel economy of a car and consequently reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Various assistance systems have recently been developed to promote ecodriving among drivers. Through anticipation of the preceding traffic, an eco-driver smoothly regulates the velocity and headway of the car at some safe levels. Limited use of accelerator and brake often causes an eco-driven car slower than other vehicles and affects behavior of its following traffic greatly. This paper investigates the influence of eco-driving on the fuel consumption of vehicles in the following traffic. Performance of the eco-driven car and vehicles behind it are observed in various traffic flow conditions through simulation in AIMSUN microscopic traffic simulator.