How Do Hybrid Electric Vehicle Drivers Acquire Ecodriving Strategy Knowledge?

Franke, Thomas; Arend, Matthias G.; Stanton, Neville A. · 2017 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-58475-1_27

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Summary

This study investigates how drivers of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) acquire the knowledge necessary to implement effective ecodriving strategies, which are behaviors designed to maximize energy efficiency. The research is motivated by the complexity of HEV powertrains, which combine electric motors and combustion engines with regenerative braking systems. Because these systems have dynamic energy flows, drivers must develop specific mental models and control strategies to realize the vehicle’s full sustainability potential. The authors aimed to understand the learning processes of successful HEV drivers to inform the design of better user support systems. The researchers recruited 39 HEV drivers (primarily Toyota Prius owners) who demonstrated above-average fuel efficiency compared to a broader population of logged drivers. Data were collected through telephone interviews, averaging 48 minutes in duration, which included questionnaire sections on socio-demographics and experience. The interviews focused on drivers’ ecodriving motivation, specific strategies used in various driving conditions, and the development of their strategy knowledge. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, coding participants’ statements regarding how they acquired knowledge about driving behaviors (strategy knowledge) and the vehicle’s technical systems (technical system knowledge). The results revealed that drivers acquired two distinct types of knowledge: strategy knowledge (95% of participants) and technical system knowledge (41%). This acquisition occurred through two primary modes: with system interaction (69%) and without system interaction (87%). With interaction, drivers actively tested strategies (54%) and monitored system feedback, such as instantaneous fuel consumption displays or energy flow indicators, to verify effectiveness. Without interaction, drivers relied heavily on internet forums (64%), prior knowledge from conventional vehicles or physics (39%), and expert advice. The learning process was time-intensive, taking an average of 6.4 months or 10,062 kilometers to develop effective ecodriving strategies. Drivers also noted that incidental learning and the vehicle’s inherent functionality contributed to their understanding. The study concludes that achieving optimal energy efficiency in HEVs requires a complex, prolonged learning process involving both behavioral practice and technical understanding. The findings suggest that ecodriving support systems should not merely provide behavioral tips but also educate drivers on the underlying technical reasons why certain strategies are effective, such as powertrain efficiency characteristics. Additionally, because drivers monitor feedback at various time scales—from instantaneous to per-refueling—support systems should offer objective quantification of environmental factors to help drivers disentangle behavioral effects from external conditions. This research highlights the need for continuous guidance in implementing strategies across diverse driving situations to fully realize the sustainability potential of hybrid vehicles.

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• eco driving