What does the ECO display on the car dashboard mean?

[Mildred]

When the ECO indicator light on the dashboard illuminates, it indicates that the vehicle'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 light on the dashboard illuminates, it signifies that the vehicle'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 light immediately turns on, 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 light illuminates, it serves merely as a reminder function. The ECO system 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 employ the active ECO driving mode, meaning they have their own switch button. Therefore, ECO mode can be activated during daily driving. However, it is unnecessary to engage 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 mode but could also impair vehicle performance. Additionally, ECO mode typically becomes ineffective under the following circumstances: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilometers per hour, the system prioritizes speed, causing the ECO mode to deactivate automatically. During idle parking or when in N/P gear or manual mode, ECO mode 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 ECO mode will not function in such scenarios.