Eco-driving technology: an effective and economical approach to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas

Road transportation uses notable amounts of fossil fuels and accounts for a remarkable share of CO2 emissions and other pollutants worldwide. The transportation sector uses nearly 20% to 25 of global energy and is responsible for approximately 25% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, 75% of which is disseminated via road transport. Eco-driving is one of the 40 measures that should contribute to a 60% reduction in emissions of traffic-related pollutants by 2050. Eco-driving technology can be considered as a set of choices and behaviors adopted by drivers in order to energy-saving and environmental protection. This approach is a relatively inexpensive and immediate measure to dramatically reduce fuel consumption and emissions of pollutants. The finding of researches in this field indicate that although the efficiency of car engines has been developed due to recent technological advances and the integration of new types of fuels, but the behavior of drivers has not improved in line with this development. Thus, it is expected to with proper training and information of drivers, this procedure leads to further reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The main factors affecting eco-driving include acceleration/deceleration, driving speed, route select and idling. The present research is a study review in which data were obtained through library studies. The purpose of this study is to review and compare the major factors influencing the implementation of eco-driving technology. Finally, the challenges and future research for eco-driving technology are proposed. Therefore, due to the high price of fuel and the concern of conserving natural resources and energy, eco-driving technology is one of the best and most rational approaches for sustainable development, energy conservation and environmental protection.