Eco-modder makes FE presentation to Sierra Club

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by Wonderboy

Looking back on it, I probably misused the word crutch and meant "cruise control: a valuable tool for the lead footed" If you can't be attentive enough to drive the whole thing with your foot, then it is indeed better to tell cruise control to keep you at 55-60 than at 65-75

I'm having a very hard time trying to match the fuel consumption that the CC is returning effortlessly.

[groar]

euromodder, if you are living in a flat country then the cc will give you something hard to beat excepting by using P&G.

When using a steady speed, "hang time" is a great tool. After the speed is stabilized, just release a very little the accelerator : the consumption lowers but not the speed. You may repeat this until the speed lowers. I can do this 2 or 3 times on my wife's car before the speed lowers by 1-3km/h. At the same time the consumption lowers by 5-15%

When you are riding in such an optimized position then a simple car passing you or a very light uphill will make you slow down. You have to accept to continue your ride at a lower speed so you will not have the cc default : having to reaccelerate as soon as it looses some speed. Reaccelerate only other time and use downhills if any to do so.

Have fun,

Denis.

[TheMarkofPolo]

Update

I've been working on my presentation. It's rather broad and obviously doesn't cover everything, but I think it'll get across some good points.

Lets see if this slideshare works.

[Kodak]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

I doubt I'd ever recommend to a bunch of newbies "brake hard"- it's ripe for misinterpretation and that's how the clods are driving now during their Stoplight Gran Prix.

I can see how that might cause misinterpretation. The same message can be conveyed by saying: predict, anticipate and slow down early.

The problem is audience variation. Tell a group of ecodrivers to brake hard, and it means cut losses by scrubbing off excess momentum. Tell the same thing to someone who treats is like ^ a race, and the result is totally different.

In my opinion, the best approach is to tell drivers to actively seek information. If they actually follow suit, they'll naturally be looking for yellow lights and brake lights. Then they'll realize how tailgating seriously hinders one's ability to gather said information (and causes abrupt stops). Same result, different approach.

TheMarkofPolo - I checked out your sideshow. I think you got the basics down. You're right to avoid getting too complicated; it's an easy way to lose the audience. My one criticism is that, although you covered the money saving aspect, I don't think you explained just how easy it is. Most ecodriving tactics don't waste time, but I suspect that the opposite is sometimes assumed.

Almost forgot: Have you given the presentation yet? If not, I may have some materials of interest for you from a very interesting public presentation course I took.

[TheMarkofPolo]

Criticism taken into consideration. I'll see how I can squeeze that in, or simply talk about it. (I dislike reading everything from a slide.)

I'll be giving the presentation next week, so I have some time.

[TheMarkofPolo]

Updated Presentation. I'll still be hard-pressed to fit it into 15-20 minutes, but that limit is only a goal. I need to maintain attention and allow for folks coming to/from classes.

[Kodak]

Originally Posted by TheMarkofPolo

Updated Presentation. I'll still be hard-pressed to fit it into 15-20 minutes, but that limit is only a goal. I need to maintain attention and allow for folks coming to/from classes.

Excellent, good luck with it. Let us know how it goes. Any chance of a video?

If you can get even a few more drivers to decide to become more anticipatory about traffic - more actively thinking about their driving inputs - then I'd say you will have succeeded.

[MetroMPG]

Nice work - good luck with the presentation.

I'm giving one in late May. Might steal some of your ideas :P

[TheMarkofPolo]

I'm glad my fiance is honest. After running the presentation by her once, she found it dry at times. Fixed the kinks and came in strong today. I kept it light-hearted and a little funny to hold interest.

I gave the presentation among Sustainability group members and collegiate passersby. They seemed to enjoy it and hopefully they'll be curious enough to visit this website.
Anyway, HERE it is.

MetroMPG: repost, reuse, recycle the presentation as you see fit.

[SwamiSalami]

This is the basis for spreading the news of efficient driving practices.

Kudos to you for your initiative and creative spirit!!!