Driver Efficiency Gage (Two Mode Hybrid)

The IPC displays the driver efficiency as determined by the engine control module (ECM). The IPC receives serial data message from the ECM indicating the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. There are several zones on the gage indicating different levels of efficiency. The gage indicates fuel efficiency when the engine is running and will be set at the minimum scale position when the ignition transitions to a mode other than the engine is running. The gage will default to its half scale position when there is a loss of serial data communication with the ECM The driver efficiency gage gives feedback to the driver of the hybrid vehicle as to how efficient they are driving. When driving in a way to optimize the fuel economy (e.g. gradually increasing the speed, slow braking, etc.), the pointer or indicator moves into a high efficiency band. When driving in an inefficient manner (e.g. starts, hard braking, constantly changing speeds, etc.), the pointer or indicator moves into a less efficient band. The gage spans several zones, corresponding to different levels of efficiency for acceleration and deceleration. As the indicator moves across the band, the driver receives directional feedback as to whether their driving style is moving towards or away from the desired efficiency.