The driver’s foot is responsible for one-quarter of fuel consumption, which can be controlled by driving gently and taking eco-driving courses. However, Bosch has developed a technical aid in the shape of the active gas pedal: its gentle vibration tells drivers when they have crossed the line from light touch to lead foot.

Stefan Seiberth, president of the Gasoline Systems division of Robert Bosch GmbH explained, “The Bosch active gas pedal helps drivers save fuel – and alerts them to potentially dangerous situations as well.”

If the vehicle has an assistance system, the pedal becomes a warning indicator: coupled with the navigation system or a camera that recognizes road signs, the gas pedal gives drivers a haptic warning signal if, they are approaching a dangerous bend at a high speed. 

The pedal technology also helps drivers to be very light-footed on the accelerator. The feedback they get from the pedal allows them to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 7 percent, reducing CO₂ emissions accordingly. This is possible because the gas pedal can be networked with other automotive functions, such as the transmission. The pedal comes with the option of a palpable indication of the best time to shift gear.

“The pedal tells the driver when the economy and acceleration curves intersect,” said Seiberth. If the driver still wants to accelerate some more before shifting gear, however, applying a little extra pressure is enough.

Hybrids: advance warning of when the combustion engine will restart
Additional fuel-saving potential is available in conjunction with start-stop coasting, i.e. when the engine is stopped while still moving at speed in order to save fuel. Bosch estimates that the engine can be stopped in this way on 30 percent of all journeys. The gas pedal can be set to give an alert as soon as coasting mode makes sense. The pedal also opens up a lot of fuel-saving potential in hybrids, since it lets drivers know when the combustion engine is about to take over from the electric motor, so they can lighten the amount of pressure on the gas pedal. 

But it is not only in the area of fuel economy that the active gas pedal comes into play. It can make cars safer as well. This is because the innovative component can be connected with a whole series of assistance systems. In connection with collision warning systems, for example, the system can create a vibrating signal warning drivers not to accelerate any further. A simple change to the software settings is all that is needed to tailor the type and force of haptic feedback to automakers’ specifications. 

The gas pedal goes online: warns of wrong-way drivers and traffic jams
The innovative Bosch gas pedal can also be connected with the navigation system, enabling it to warn drivers if they are approaching a sharp bend at too high a speed. In addition, the gas pedal can be coupled with a camera that recognizes speed-limit signs. If drivers exceed the speed limit, the gas pedal will warn them by vibrating or exerting counter-pressure. Internet connectivity opens up even more possibilities. The innovation is already designed for cars that are connected with their surroundings. And via the vibrating pedal, the connected car will pass on warnings about dangerous situations – wrong-way drivers, unexpected congestion, crossing traffic, and other hazards along the planned route – to the person at the wheel. 

Read more: Bosch conducts automated driving tests on roads in Japan