Driving Sustainably – The Influence of IoT-based Eco-Feedback on Driving Behavior

Abstract

One starting point to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions is driving behavior. Previous studies have already shown that eco-feedback leads to reduced fuel consumption. However, less has been done to investigate how driving behavior is affected by ecofeedback. Yet, understanding driving behavior is important to target personalized recommendations towards reduced fuel consumption. In this paper, we investigate a real-world data set from an IoT-based smart vehicle service. We first extract seven distinct factors that characterize driving behavior from data of 5,676 users. Second, we derive initial hypotheses on how eco-feedback may affect these factors. Third, we test these hypotheses with data of another 495 users receiving eco-feedback. Results suggest that ecofeedback, for instance, reduces hard acceleration maneuvers while interestingly speed is not affected. Our contribution extends the understanding of measuring driving behavior using IoT-based data. Furthermore, we contribute to a better understanding of the effect of eco-feedback on driving behavior.

Sustainable behavior in motion: designing mobile eco-driving feedback information systems

“…Similarly, the results show that higher fuel consumption also results from hard deceleration events, numbers of stops, and idle time during trips [3]. In a similar vein, Bätz et al [15] have presented a factor model describing DB both on a strategic and an execution-related level. On these grounds, eco-DB is an appropriate lever to reduce fuel consumption and thus contribute to the fight against rising CO 2 emissions.…”

“…Secondly, third parties are entering the market and offering solutions for connected vehicles on the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT-based smart vehicle services can also be used as EDFIS and contribute to a more sustainable way of life [15]. In times of Friday-for-Future demonstrations, it is possible that an attractive market for services that enable a more sustainable lifestyle will emerge.…”

“…Overall, eco-feedback affects fuel consumption and fosters fuel savings through influencing DB (insights to behavioral-specific improvements give Bätz et al [15]). Almost every new vehicle today has some kind of environmental or economic feedback built into it.…”

“…Such EDFIS are promising tools to contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Several studies have examined behavioral improvements using eco-feedback to save fuel (e.g., [6,14,15]). For this reason, EDFIS are already built into cars nowadays to illustrate environmental and financial consequences of driving (e.g., the consumption meter as the most basic type of feedback).…”

Introduction to the Minitrack on Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Business and Management Research

“…Analyzing current fleet data would thereby help address the poor predictability of TCO (I2) and provide a basis for future resource planning and strategic decision-making (Redmer, 2022). Ultimately, monitoring fuel consumption could help decide what portion of the fuel costs the company and the driver should bear (Bätz et al, 2020).…”