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beta testers sought for new tech for Prius c

Discussion in 'Prius c Fuel Economy' started by Pedal Logic, Nov 9, 2017.

  1. Pedal Logic

    Pedal Logic Active Member

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    Hi Everyone,

    We've been testing a new mpg-improving technology with Prius Gen3 owners on Priuschat since December of last year and now want to test on the Prius c.

    Our technology is called SmartPedal and improves mileage by electronically correcting the pedal signal. You can read about the details here ((5) beta testers sought for new technology | PriusChat).

    In terms of performance, SmartPedal saves the equivalent of about a month's worth of gas annually on the Gen3. We think it likely to perform similarly on the Prius c.

    We don't plan on marketing SmartPedal to consumers—we target commercial fleet operators—but will give one of our next-gen units ($295 value) to beta testers willing to track mileage and share experiential feedback for 2-3 months. In addition to saving money on fuel, you'll be doing the environment a solid.

    We're looking for 4-5 testers. Our ideal candidates are:
    - highly attentive to mileage;
    - drive a Prius c with at least 10K on the odometer;
    - travel at least 300-400 miles every two weeks in mixed city/hwy driving;
    - do not drive with cruise control; and
    - drive in a "regular" style that most drivers would recognize (i.e., not hyper-miling).

    Even more ideal if you are located in the SF Bay Area.

    Install is non-destructive and usually takes about 5 minutes. SmartPedal is also warranty safe and meets all federal and automotive industry safety requirements.

    I'm sure people will have a few questions. Please post them here and I'll respond quickly.

    Marc
     
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  2. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    I'm out... I CC everywhere.
     
  3. edspecR

    edspecR Member

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    Interested! in the bay area as well, and fit all of your categories :)
     
  4. edspecR

    edspecR Member

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    just looked at the gen3 post. is this done through the obd2 port?
     
  5. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    It attaches to the top of the accelerator pedal ;).

    Easy 5 minute or less install (y).
     
  6. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    And, pray tell, how is this any different from the "pedal mapping" that occurs in "ECO mode" ??

    IIRC, most tests of that kind of technology have found it to be largely ineffective, when implemented by itself........and not coupled with a "driver attitude adjustment".
     
  7. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    It fits to the top of the accelerator pedal... and doesn't plug into anything? What is this? Some kind of giant resistance spring that doesn't let you full throttle it easily?
     
  8. Pedal Logic

    Pedal Logic Active Member

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    SmartPedal electronically corrects the pedal signal to eliminate unwanted changes in power by the driver. These unwanted changes occur several times a second during normal vehicle operation and are caused by the driver's foot changing pressure on the pedal as the vehicle moves slightly up/down underneath him or her during normal operation.

    On the home page of our site is a short video that describes how SmartPedal works in more detail.

    SmartPedal is a new, multi-patented technology that makes changes largely below the level of observation by most driver. It doesn't require an "attitude" adjustment or any type of driver training.

    As for proof of effectiveness, please review the very positive results posted by members of the Priuschat Gen3 forum over the last year. Post #5 on this thread by @Raytheeagle (another senior member of Priuschat) was one of those testers.

    We're now looking to test the effectiveness on the Prius c. It's a chance for people to do something good for the environment and their vehicle.

    Marc
     
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  9. Pedal Logic

    Pedal Logic Active Member

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    Hi ztanos,

    SmartPedal is a ruggedized computing device about the size of an iPhone charger. It's powered by a 32-bit cpu and attaches inline between the accelerator pedal and the pedal wiring harness. It's all snap-fit, plug-and-play technology.

    Marc
     
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  10. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    I personally would be much MORE impressed with the "proof" if it was a bit closer to having some scientific basis and method instead of just individual perceptions and anecdotes.

    And how do we know that the built-in Toyota software doesn't do that already ??

    I'm done. Said my piece. Others can come to their own conclusions.
     
  11. Pedal Logic

    Pedal Logic Active Member

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    The patents are public record. You read through them if you want to understand better the engineering basis. And if you're curious, we've also done AB testing with OEMs as well as with fleet operators. In fact, the last test was 1.2 million miles in total driving by ~50 vehicles.

    Neither Toyota or any of the manufacturers have any patents in this field. Through our conversations with OEMs, we also know that they were unaware of the issue and opportunity. Finally, we've analyzed the signals from the pedal and requested power so we know—through first-hand observation—that the OEMs don't do this. And, of course, last but not least there is the experience of other members of the Priuschat community.

    You certainly had a strong set of opinions, but I'm glad you brought them to the table because it creates an opportunity to address questions that others may have as well.
     
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  12. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I have the device on our 2010 Prius II that now has over 167 k miles:).

    I have put ~20 k miles (give or take) on our Prius since the install. I have seen 3-4 mpg improvement over my previous baseline of 48.2 mpg.

    On an average tank, this extends the range by 35-40 miles;). I drive 90% highway and in normal mode. I do not use cruise control.

    Install was easy and Marc is very helpful :).

    If you are skeptical, read the thread that is linked;).

    Hope that helps(y).
     
  13. Sean Nelson

    Sean Nelson Active Member

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    That sounds like an intriguing idea - something I've thought about from time to time as I drive. It kind of sounds like a low pass filter that averages out brief/small changes but allows larger or longer changes in accelerator pressure to pass through.
     
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  14. edspecR

    edspecR Member

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    not sure why there's so much cynicism and toyota-elitism. does toyota pay you guys for your opinion-mongering? its one thing if this guy/company were trying to sell us a product and overhyping or otherwise misleading us to turn a dollar. do i believe toyota (or any oem) thought of everything when they design, produce and manufacture cars? do i think oem's never cut corners(but definitely not in the entry-level budget hybrid prius c, no of course not, the car is space-age and toyota gifted us with a unicorn) or compromise to fit different markets, standards, price points, and a whole mess of other variables? in case you missed it, the answer is a resounding no.

    with that said, i'll send you a PM :)
     
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  15. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Whether it is true or not, that is EXACTLY what his pitch sounds like. EXACTLY.

    The next step would normally be: We have decided not to limit this wonderful new product to fleet owners only........and it is not available to the general public. SEND MONEY. :whistle:
     
  16. Pedal Logic

    Pedal Logic Active Member

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    Hi Sean,

    You're very close to the mark. It's a smarter low-pass filter though. Instead of just averaging, we use probabilistic analysis to determine whether the change in pedal position was unintentional. If the system determines that it is, it takes the next step and corrects the signal. This approach keeps the vehicle more responsive than a straight low-pass would.

    Marc
     
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  17. edspecR

    edspecR Member

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    then so be it. the gen3 thread says that they're considering it as a consumer product for 2017. and if it does work, then again, not sure why we'd be against that. if it doesn't work, then add it to the plethora of other devices that don't work, again, not anything i'd hold a grudge against. at least they're testing their theories in the real world, regardless of how far-fetched they may be. i'm also pretty skeptical, but i'd rather be skeptical, try it and confirm my suspicions over being skeptical and not really base it on anything objective.

    besides, if there's no real difference for me after trying it, then it'd at least confirm to me that i have a pretty steady right foot :p
     
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  18. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I’ll break the secret or burst your bubble: your right foot isn’t steady enough;).

    But you’ll see some good results (y).
     
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  19. Jayw13702

    Jayw13702 Active Member

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    Shame, I fit all categories aside from area, I’m UK


    2010 Gen 3
     
  20. tgpii

    tgpii Member

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    I live NEAR Chicago, Illinois and would love to try it.
     
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