What is eco?
2 Answers
Eco in a car refers to the economic driving mode. Below is relevant information: Introduction: Eco is an English abbreviation, formed from Ecology (Environmental Protection), Conservation (Energy Saving), and Optimization (Power). Classification: Eco mode is further divided into active eco driving mode and non-active eco driving mode. When the eco indicator light on the dashboard is illuminated, it indicates that the car's economic mode is activated. Most cars use the active eco driving mode, which means there is a separate switch button. Therefore, during daily driving, you can turn on the eco mode. However, when driving at speeds exceeding 120 km/h, idling while parked, in N/P gear, or in manual mode, especially when climbing hills, it is unnecessary to activate the eco mode. Doing so may not reflect the fuel-saving characteristics of eco and could also affect the car's power performance.
I used to drive a lot of old cars, and EC0 was Europe's earliest emission standard, specifically designed for those vintage cars from the 80s and 90s. At that stage, cars had little emission control, and the exhaust was particularly dirty, smoky and polluting. For example, my first Volvo complied with EC0—it was fun to drive, but entering cities was restricted. Nowadays, places like London outright ban them, citing severe pollution. Older cars also tend to have more issues, leading to high maintenance costs. If you're an owner, it's best to check the vehicle's nameplate to confirm the standard. Buying an old EC0-compliant car might be cheap, but in the long run, upgrading to an eco-friendly model is a better choice. Remember, this standard allows high pollution, so driving one means considering the environmental impact—after all, poor air quality affects everyone.
