Hardware vs Peopleware

Bob,

I am unable to determine just how you're thinking here.

I am interpreting this statement to address ICE/HSD info display.

Are you suggesting that the approach taken by Honda and Ford are
better than what Toyota has done?

Included in an answer to my question would be a comparison of the
Gen II and Gen III eco-data displays. I have not driven a Gen III so
although I know it is different, I don't have a feeling for if on the
whole it is "better" -- granted a subjective opinion at best.

As to the Gen II, I don't think between the two MFD screens Toyota has
provided drivers with a very good suite of tools for eco-driving. I've
said so loud and long; http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-fuel-economy/42280-mfd-energy-graph-mpg-h-better-way.html

I've gone the ScanGauge route, and it's better, but far from perfect.
The main problem I have with the SG is it's Atari-era display. I'm sure
it's a cost cutting measure. There are combined gauge units that have
far better basic displays, and are even customizable. But none have
something like the programable hybrid/Prius specific XGauges like the
SG. In my opinion, the one with the best potential is the
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-modifications/56654-dashdaq-can-we-make-new-canview.html

The best answer would be for Toyota to step up and provide two levels
of data availability/display. One rather simple one for new drivers that
provides basic data in a simple to use and understand format with a
pleasant to look at display. The second -- which could be an extra-cost
firmware enhancement -- would give access to ALL the important ICE/HV
battery data that can be of help to anyone who really wants to go after
high FE/MPG numbers. (The on-going Gen III regen/hydraulic brake
interaction recalibration suggests that it could be done via the OBDII
port.)

My opinion is Toyota needs to make this basic change hurry-up quick.
As new hybrid makers enter the market, especially if they come from
a sporting background as opposed to Toyota's basic family car
background, they will offer data retrieval that is more complete than
Toyota's and better looking and more flexible than the ScanGauge.

One man's opinion.

 

If I interpret what Bob said, I believe he prefers changing the hardware (ie vehicle) over changing the people. I would have to say that in the real world, this is a more feasible approach. In general, people hate changing their habits and would rather have it done for them so that they can continue to do things the way they've done them over and over for years. Now, if they could find a happy balance between the two and adopt it across the board, it may very well be a plus no matter how you look at it. However, while they incorporate things, the manufacturers need to understand not to over-step that boundary and still provide their user with the ability to determine (to an extent) how much they are given from a peopleware standpoint.

I hope that makes sense, as I just got up a few mins ago and haven't finish my first cup o joe yet

 

I agree on doing as much as possible with hardware ... but when things moved from musket & ball to rifle & shell, there still remained a need to train the troops to do their part so that the hardware could function at its best.

In vehicle terms, one of the examples which quickly comes to mind is people who race towards the red light only to brake sharply when they arrive. It'll be a while before hardware overcomes this one (which will require taking control of the vehicle from the driver, I think), so retraining the driver is needed too.

 

I think a instant fuel economy meter in all vehicles would be a great start to retraining. Probably more applicable in the hybrids, but I think it would help in standard cars as well. I know it was an eye opener for me and my wife when we got the Prius.
Basically boils down to feedback. The more visual the better.

 

I couldn't agree more.

It is difficult to find a simple prior case related to automobiles.
* The transition from manual to automatic transmissions was a
dumbing down of what driver's involvement was required.
* The transition to ABS required some retraining, that is, it was
nonintuitive that when you felt the brakes pulsing you need to keep
pressure on the brake pedal, not let off.
* There was a much earlier transition that is little remembered, the
transition from make/model specific controls -- sometimes the spark
advance and throttle were on the steering wheel! -- to the
standardized locations that we not only accept without question today,
but would be taken aback should an auto maker come up with a
"better way," like the Gen I and III dash board shift location.

While almost comically different, the transition from horse and buggy
to auto-mobiles may be most illustrative. A successful early adopter
has to completely rethink and adapt their approach to transportation.
(It is interesting to note that one of the early arguments against the
auto-car was limited range due the availability of gasoline only in cities
and towns. Hay was obtainable just about everywhere, and grass
alongside the road was free. A horse drawn conveyance, like the little
pink bunny could go on, and on, and on...)

I would suggest that the reason for most of the current arm waving
and squawking has to do with the Prius' transition from niche to
mainstream vehicle. It appears that for the most part the
"mainstream" is not ready for the transition. They aren't ready for,
don't want to hear about or consider that the car is any different than
their last car. To a large extent Toyota is to blame. It may be their
headlong rush to overtake GM as the largest automaker (I hope I got
that right.)

Whatever, as the Chinese saying goes, "Be careful of what you wish
for, you just might get it." Well, Toyota got their wish, but they have
not been conscious enough of any unintended consequences. In this
case it is the current media-fanned pseudo-panic. Now they are
"getting it" in a wholly different, and surely unitended way.

The Prius has always been on the leading edge of the ICE-only to
hybrid power transition. The leading edge takes all the hits. That's life
in the fast lane.

Looking to the future, hybrids themselves are said to a transitional
form themselves, a halfway step to EVs, BEVs, etc. Because EVs and
BEVs have such different capacities and capabilities, some forward
looking potential drivers/owners are already confronting, at least
intellectually, what changes they may need to make to their life style
and driving habits. You can see it in the recurring discussions involving
where to plug-in, especially public recharging stations and "range phobia."

This latter is really going to bite the leading edge EV makers in the
butt. Most non-reflecting buyers are not going to anticipate that range
will vary widely depending on air temps as the batteries will need to
be heated and cooled, just like the humans in high and low
temperature conditions. I expect that range will be reduced up to 1/3,
Ouch!

Hey, but that's part and parcel of the new technology package. The big
question is will Nissan, Think, Mitsubishi, etc, make it perfectly clear
up front that this is a controlling reality for EVs, take it or leave it.

 

My Sebring convertible has a trip computer, and (among other things) it has two MPG displays you can call up (one at a time) -- instant fuel economy and average MPG since last reset (I reset every fill-up).

You're right. I've used the instant readout a lot since I first bought the car, and saw mpg improvement due to my learning as I drove. I have been putting the data into a spreadsheet since 5/21/09 (a bit after I bought the Prius). "Lifetime" mpg since then is 25.5. Best tank was 30.5 -- on hiway (the tank before that on the hiway was a 29.8). Driving is largely city rather than hiway, which makes me happy to have 25.5 long term average.

The Prius has tought me some of "the tricks" to improving MPG, and I can apply some of them to the Sebring. The best of all is that, for some reason, the Sebring has considerably less engine braking effect than other cars I've had. In spring (when Sebring comes out of its winter hibernation), I'll see how close I can get to pluse-and-glide.

 

Maybe they have not entered their winter mpg yet. It'll be interesting to monitor it to see the average goes down to the 04-08 level.