What does ECO mean?

[DeEmilia]

ECO refers to the vehicle's economical driving mode, also known as the economy mode. When driving frequently in congested urban road conditions, activating the ECO mode can significantly improve fuel efficiency. Under ECO mode operation, the carbon deposits in the engine are roughly similar to those produced under normal operating conditions. The main principle of ECO mode is not complicated. It primarily involves comprehensive judgment and analysis of various factors affecting fuel consumption during vehicle movement, such as automatic transmission gear position, engine speed, vehicle speed, braking, and transmission oil temperature. The ECU control unit calculates the appropriate amount of fuel to supply the engine for operation, effectively reducing fuel consumption compared to normal driving modes. Simply put, it controls the engine's speed with reasonable gear selection to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption. ECO is an abbreviation, with its Chinese translation representing Ecology (environmental protection), Conservation (energy saving), and Optimization (power). ECO mode is further divided into active ECO driving mode and passive ECO driving mode. When the ECO indicator light on the dashboard illuminates, it indicates that the vehicle's economy mode has been activated. ECO mode is categorized into active and passive types. The difference lies in the fact that the active type has a dedicated button, allowing the driver to choose whether to activate it. When the driver presses the ECO mode switch, the dashboard indicator light immediately illuminates, and the vehicle automatically begins adjusting settings such as throttle opening, transmission shift logic, and air conditioning output power. The passive ECO mode does not have a dedicated button. When the ECO indicator light on the dashboard illuminates, it serves merely as a reminder function. ECO automatically evaluates your driving behavior. If your current driving operation achieves the optimal fuel supply, the dashboard will simultaneously display the ECO indicator light. Most vehicles adopt the active ECO driving mode, meaning they have a dedicated switch button. Therefore, ECO mode can be activated during daily driving. However, it is unnecessary to activate ECO mode when driving at speeds exceeding 120 km/h, during idle parking, in N/P gear, or in manual mode, especially when climbing hills. Doing so would not only fail to demonstrate the fuel-saving characteristics of ECO but also affect the vehicle's power. Additionally, ECO mode typically becomes ineffective under the following circumstances: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilometers per hour, the vehicle prioritizes speed, causing the ECO mode to automatically deactivate. During idle parking or in N/P gear and manual mode, ECO may also become ineffective. When high torque output is required, such as when climbing hills, the engine's computer prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the ECO mode will not function.

[LaRiver]

In my years of driving, I've found that the term 'ECO' in the automotive world generally refers to the 'Ecological' or 'Economy' mode. It's an intelligent driving setting where pressing the button automatically optimizes engine operation and transmission logic for fuel efficiency, such as lowering RPM, reducing AC output, or smoothing throttle response. I've used the ECO mode in new cars during city traffic jams and it indeed saves some fuel costs – it's common to save 20-30 km per week compared to normal mode. However, it's not a cure-all – acceleration feels slightly sluggish, and starts aren't as sharp. I'd recommend novice drivers activate it on flat roads or in congested areas to cultivate fuel-saving habits and avoid frequent refueling expenses, which benefits both wallets and the environment in the long run. I've discussed this with friends – some hybrid models' ECO modes even coordinate with battery systems to extend lifespan, making them ideal for urban commuters' daily needs.