Effects of miles per gallon feedback on fuel efficiency in gas-powered cars.

PDFTech ReportUVM TRC Report # 10-004Fuel consumptionTravel behaviorDrivingReal time informationGasolineAutomobilesCost effectivenessVermontUniversity of Vermont. Transportation Research CenterSolomon, LauraLange, NickSchwob, MichaelCallas, PeterUniversity of Vermont. Transportation Research CenterVermont. Agency of TransportationUnited States. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Innovative Technology AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionThis study tested the impact of continuous miles per gallon (MPG) feedback on drivingbehavior and fuel efficiency in gas-powered cars. We compared an experimental condition,where drivers received real-time MPG feedback and a tip sheet, to a control conditionwithout such feedback at the time the experimental participants received it. We had threestudy aims:Aim 1 was to modify the fuel efficiency obtained while driving gas-powered cars. Wespecifically hypothesized that mean MPG would be greater in the experimental compared tothe control condition during the intervention period, and this difference would be maintainedduring the return-to-baseline period.Aim 2 was to modify the driving behaviors of drivers of gas-powered cars. Our hypothesiswas that participants in the experimental compared to the control condition would reportengaging in more fuel efficient driving behaviors during the intervention period, and thisdifference would be maintained during the return-to-baseline period.Aim 3 was to explore ways to improve the feedback display among users