What does it mean when the car displays ECO?

[StMason]

When the ECO indicator on the dashboard lights up, it indicates that the car's economy mode has been activated. ECO is an English abbreviation derived from the combination of Ecology (environmental protection), Conservation (energy saving), and Optimization (power). The ECO mode is further divided into active ECO driving mode and non-active ECO driving mode. When the ECO indicator on the dashboard lights up, it signifies that the car's economy mode is engaged. ECO mode is categorized into active and non-active types, with the difference being that the active type has its own dedicated button, allowing the driver to choose whether to activate it. When the driver presses the ECO mode switch, the dashboard indicator lights up, and the vehicle automatically begins adjusting settings such as throttle opening, transmission shift logic, and air conditioning output power. Non-active ECO mode does not have a dedicated button. When the dashboard ECO indicator lights up, 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. Most cars use the active ECO driving mode, meaning they have their own switch button. Therefore, during daily driving, the ECO mode can be activated. However, it is unnecessary to enable ECO mode when the speed exceeds 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 km/h, the car prioritizes speed, causing the ECO mode to automatically deactivate. During idle parking or when in N/P gear or manual mode, ECO may also become ineffective. When high torque output is required, such as when climbing a hill, the engine control unit prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the ECO mode will not operate.