How Vehicle Connectivity Based Eco-Routing Choices Will Impact on Driver Decision Making

Guo, Huizhong; Yu, Bo; Liu, Henry; Sayer, Jim; Bao, Shan · 2022 · ROSA P / University of Michigan. Center for Connected and Automated Transportation

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Summary

This study investigates how vehicle connectivity-based eco-routing recommendations influence driver decision-making, specifically focusing on route selection and compliance. Motivated by the transportation sector’s significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, the research addresses a gap in understanding whether and why drivers adopt energy-efficient routes over traditional time- or distance-minimizing options. The study also examines the impact of habitual route choices on drivers' willingness to follow eco-routing advice. The research was conducted through a field test in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from May to June 2019. Forty-three participants were recruited to use a custom Android application for two weeks, which provided three route options: eco (least energy consumption), fast (shortest travel time), and balanced. Participants completed surveys and selected routes prior to trips, generating data on 737 valid trips for Study 1 and 1,940 matched trips for Study 2. The researchers employed mixed-effect logistic regression and multi-label random forests (MLRF) models to analyze route choice factors, and a mixed-effect beta regression model within the framework of Triandis's Theory of Interpersonal Behavior to assess the influence of habit on compliance. Key findings indicate that drivers selected the eco-route in approximately 78.6% of instances, particularly for shorter trips with higher gas consumption per mile. Prioritizing the eco-route in the recommendation sequence significantly increased its selection likelihood. Route information, such as distance saved and average gas consumption, was the strongest predictor of choice, outweighing demographic factors. Regarding compliance, drivers were more likely to follow recommended routes if they chose the eco or fast options and if they had three or more household passengers. Crucially, habitual route choice strongly impacted compliance; drivers with established habits for specific origin-destination pairs rarely deviated from their usual routes, regardless of eco-routing advice. However, drivers without strong habitual preferences were significantly more likely to follow and maintain eco-route recommendations. The study concludes that eco-routing systems can effectively reduce emissions if designed to account for driver habits and trip characteristics. Recommendations include prioritizing eco-route suggestions for short trips and new origin-destination pairs where habits are not yet formed. Additionally, providing tangible incentives, such as monetary savings or emission reduction metrics, can enhance user engagement. These insights contribute to the development of more effective eco-routing navigation systems and educational programs aimed at fostering sustainable transportation behaviors.

Key finding

Drivers without strong habitual route selections are significantly more likely to comply with eco-route navigation advice, whereas established habits strongly inhibit compliance.

Methodology

field_study

Sample size: 43

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• eco driving