Last year I wrote about how hypermiling can dramatically cut your gasoline consumption.  Well, I recently learned that the New Oxford Dictionary announced hypermiling as the 2008 word of the year.  They discuss the history of the word, some of the methods and positive results of changing bad driving habits.  If you began keeping a log of your own gas mileage, then you could test hypermiling to see what kind of personal gains can be achieved.

In another story, you can see that web based tools and the internet can help cut vehicle emissions.  A pilot program in Denver configured 400 vehicles with greenhouse gas-tracking systems to provide the driver with feedback on their driving.  They could immediately see the impact of rapid acceleration, sudden braking and excessive idling.  This information resulted in reduced emissions and better fuel economy.

Automakers have also begun informing drivers with real time statistics.  The Toyota Prius already encourages drivers to seek more efficient energy use through a digital interface.  Now Honda is taking it a step further with their upcoming new car, the Insight.  This story on Earth2Tech discusses how the “Eco Assist” dashboard turns fuel efficiency into a video game.  They compare this to a Wii Fit for cars where drivers are rewarded with positive feedback for good driving behavior.

We should all strive to cut our gasoline consumption and reduce vehicle emissions with hypermiling, web based tools and enhanced driver instrument panels.  Good driving habits combined with advancement in technology could go far in improving our fuel efficiency.  Maybe someday all cars will be connected to the internet to help reduce our consumption, track carbon emissions and offer peer review through community.  I would like to add passenger energy as the next advancement in our fight for energy independence.  How ‘bout you?

photo credit: Marcin Wichary