Ford’s announcement that it will add the SmartGauge system to its Fusion and Milan hybrids shows the foresight needed to compete in the hybrid market with Toyota and Honda. The SmartGauge with EcoGuide is a driver information system framing the speedometer that displays information on two LCD screens. These displays can show a driver’s fuel efficiency in simple charts or thickets of leaves that grow greener and fuller with better driving.
The SmartGauge will be able to display four sets of information depending on the needs of the driver. The basic screen is the Inform level which includes fuel levels and battery strength for highway driving. Drivers can flip up to the Enlighten screen if they need information on the electrical drive system that reduces fuel use. Ford has also added an Engage screen to measure engine and battery output as well as an Empower screen with measurements of energy use by accessories. The automaker worked with IDEO and Smart Design to ensure that all four levels show fuel economy, gear data and trip information that is invaluable to a good driving experience.
The path from the laboratory to American Ford dealerships in 2009 was bridged through the Virtual Text Track Experiment (VIRTTEX), a driver simulation that allowed testing of the SmartGauge without the real world dangers of driving in city streets. Ford listened to the test drivers regarding display layouts, location and how much the SmartGauge helped in driving simulated routes before creating the final version of the system. The overwhelming success of VIRTTEX training as well as the effective collaboration between Ford, IDEO and SmartDesign has led the SmartGauge to be debuted in Fusion and Milan hybrids originating in a plant in Hermosillo, Mexico.
While the Ford Fusion hybrid may not match up well with the Toyota Prius in terms of fuel efficiency, the SmartGauge shows a simple solution to efficiency problems for every automaker. We focus so much on hybrid technology without thinking about the educational aspects needed to adjust a generation for a transportation sea change. Ford’s SmartGauge focuses on educating drivers about proper driving techniques and rewarding efficient driving. The SmartGauge system will help first-time hybrid owners get used to the Ford drivetrain already used in Mercury Marine and Ford Escape hybrids. The addition of the vine and leaf incentive for “green” driving is a nod to the small touches that automakers like Ford need to put hybrids over the top.
