Haptic Gear Shifting Indication: Evaluating Acceptance and Potential Fuel Consumption Reduction

Restrictions on fuel consumption by legislative authorities throughout the world motivate the introduction of assistance systems. Drivers can be assisted finding the optimal gear and shifting time using an algorithm taking into account different parameters like e.g. the rpm value. Drivers are driving for roughly 35 minutes on a 32 kilometer route of public roads. This study uses a Continental Automotive GmbH Accelerator Force Feedback Pedal (AFFP®) [1] which is implemented in a Volkswagen Up! blue motion. The stimulus for the upshift is presented as haptic double tick. A within-subjects experimental design is realized by drivers doing the specified route twice. In the reference condition, drivers will have the standard issue graphical gear shifting indication. In the alternative condition, the gear shifting indication will be presented using the graphical one in addition with the haptic indication (double tick) on the accelerator pedal. A between-subjects design also evaluates acceptance of varying power levels of the haptic double tick. The 45 total participants are divided into three groups distinguishing between a light, middle and strong haptic double tick. Results show a significant increase in the utilization of the fifth (highest) gear, while no significant reduction in fuel consumption was detected. The overall acceptance of the AFFP and the haptic double tick was very good.