A study on perceived usefulness of Eco driving assistant systems in Europe

Abstract

Assessing the usefulness of eco driving assistant systems is of high interest for system developers and researchers. This applies especially to systems which try to influence the driver’s behaviour in everyday situations. This paper presents results of a survey simultaneously conducted in eleven European countries with more than 5000 respondents aiming at collecting needs and requirements for future eco driving assistant systems. Such systems have the potential of changing driving behaviour in the long run for supporting a more fuel efficient driving and reducing emissions caused by motorized traffic. Three different driver assistant systems are considered covering inefficiencies in pre-trip, on-trip and post-trip situations. Each system is assessed according to the factors of perceived usefulness, the expected environmental impact and the user’s willingness to pay for it. The study will show that in general car drivers welcome the deployment of eco driving assistant systems and rate them as useful. It likewise demonstrates that the acceptance of additional costs for the user is very low.