Driving in a game - Influence of gamified eco-driving feedback in an EV experimental field trial

Eco-driving (ED) is a helpful technique to reduce CO2 emissions. Especially, the gamification approach constitutes a useful opportunity to motivate ED by mechanisms like reward or punishment. Further, ED is important in electric vehicles (EVs) due to its ability to prolong range. However, besides its potentials, distraction effects of gamified ED tips should not be neglected. The scope of the present study was to investigate the impact of gamification for ED tips in EVs on subjective assessments, distraction and driving data in a real world driving scenario. Therefore, twenty drivers participated in an experimental field trial, driving a 63 km route including city rural and highway roads. Two systems were tested in a between-subject design: (1) AVERAGE consumption display and (2) a system addressing a gamification approach with ED tips (GAME). In general, drivers evaluated both systems positive. There were no significant differences regarding workload, stress, user experience and remaining range. Although not significant the gamified system was rated more distracting and confusing. Overall a trend of higher recovered kilometres can be seen for the gamified system. Eye-tracking data helps to shed light on distraction. Although gamified ED systems involve a risk of distraction, their motivation potential seems more pervasive