Race Car Drivers Team up with iPhone to Make the Roads Greener

Posted on September 2, 2009 in Technology, The Environment

Retired race car driver Jean Paul Libert and rookie Indycar driver Nelson Phillipe are using their expert driving skills, combined with some fancy technology, to help you improve your environmental footprint. They are launching a new program called I Drive Green to help you reduce your fuel usage, whatever kind of car you drive.

The ultimate in hypermiling (maximizing your fuel efficiency), I Drive Green is a three part program that employs the cutting edge of communications technology to coach you through the process of becoming a greener driver.

New students will attend an introductory workshop where they use a simulator with a three-screen surround display to learn techniques for efficient driving. Then they have two road sessions with an instructor on hand to give tips and feedback. The skills they learn are guaranteed to help use less fuel, and drive faster.

After students have a grasp of the basic techniques motor away with a device called the EcoGyser. Like a naviagation system, the EcoGyser uses GPS to closely monitor driving habits. After every outing drivers download the information and receive a color-coded map showing them exactly what they did right, and where they could improve (like slamming on the brakes or jerky acceleration).

All the information from the EcoGyser can be shared with the IDG community via social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook.

The IDG workshops are free, as is the monitoring service with the purchase of an EcoGyser for $140. The program will be unveiled at Specialty Equipment Market Association on November 3rd.