Ford Granted Two Patents on SmartGuage with EcoGuide

System helps hybrid drivers be green

Mar 17 2011, 8:22am CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Ford Granted Two Patents on SmartGuage with EcoGuide

Ford has announced that it has been granted two patents to cover the tech it uses in the cool SmartGuage with EcoGuide. This is the instrument cluster that Ford uses in some of its hybrid vehicles to help the driver get the best fuel economy possible.

One of the patents covers the cool display of vines and leaves that react to the short-term driving habits of the driver. Less leaves means the driver is using too much fuel, more leaves means that the driver is being greener with their driving habits. The other patent granted covers Ford's power threshold gauge that helps the drivers adjust driving to be more efficient.

The first patent was granted to Ford earlier in the year. The second patent was granted on March 1. The SmartGuage with EcoGuide has a pair of 4.3-inch color LCDs on each side of a large analog speedometer. The screen can be configured to show three different levels of information. That info can include things like fuel and battery power levels and the average and instant MPG the computer calculates for the car.

The power threshold gauge is particularly important according to Ford's David Watson. Watson says that it shows how close the vehicle is from switching from EV mode to blended mode where the gasoline motor will kick on. That is a very important thing to know since the Ford vehicles have an electric only driving range but the more the throttle pedal is pushed the gas motor will kick on.

"Increasing gas prices have people paying more attention to the fuel economy a vehicle offers, but rarely do they look at their own driving habits to help boost miles per gallon," said David Watson, research engineer and part inventor of SmartGauge with EcoGuide. "These patents are a symbol of Ford's commitment to finding ways to positively change driving behaviors to help maximize fuel efficiency."

The SmartGuage with EcoGuide is available on the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Lincoln clone the MKZ Hybrid. The driver can change what is shown on the gauge cluster using easy to reach controls.

"These two parts contribute to the overall purpose of SmartGauge with EcoGuide, which is to help drivers instantaneously achieve maximum fuel economy," said Gil Portalatin, hybrid applications manager.

Updates

Mark J. Perry: Huge subsidies give American taxpayers intense shocks

Source: GulfToday.ae

It’s tempting to call the shameful taxpayer subsidy for electric cars – vehicles that are unaffordable for all but a small number of wealthy Americans – this nation’s costly little secret. But it’s no secret, and that’s the real shame. It’s ob ...
Full article at: GulfToday.ae More like this 1 day ago, 4:30pm CDT

Vintage Electric Cars Benefit From New Electric Car Sales Too

Source: Honda Insight Reviews

Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield is a self-confessed petrol head. She grew up in a carless family but was able at a very early age to name cars passing her on... More LATEST ARTICLE If you’re in the market for an electric car, the chances are you’ve resigned ...
Full article at: Honda Insight Reviews More like this 1 day ago, 8:56am CDT

Pro: Government subsidization of electric cars doesn't make economic sense

Source: Oregon Live

Should Congress pull the plug on electric car subsidies? By Mark J. Perry FLINT, Mich. -- It's tempting to call the shameful taxpayer subsidy for electric cars -- vehicles that are unaffordable for all but ...
Full article at: Oregon Live More like this 2 days ago, 4:30pm CDT

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

Don't miss ...

Cars & Vehicles

2012 Ford Boss 302 Mustang Review

Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.