What is the ECON function in cars?

[McKai]

The ECON in cars refers to the economy mode, with its full English name being ECONOMY. During vehicle operation, it comprehensively evaluates and analyzes factors affecting fuel consumption, such as automatic transmission gear position, engine speed, vehicle speed, braking, and transmission oil temperature. The ECU control unit calculates the optimal fuel quantity to supply the engine, effectively reducing fuel consumption compared to normal driving modes. Simply put, it controls the engine's speed with appropriate gear shifts to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption. When the automatic transmission operates in economy mode, its shifting pattern ensures the engine frequently runs within the economical speed range during driving, thereby improving fuel efficiency. The name ECO is derived from the combination of Ecology (environmental protection), Conservation (energy saving), and Optimization (power). ECO is commonly known as the economy mode (energy-saving mode). Some manufacturers also refer to it as "ECON," but both can be understood as abbreviations for economy. ECO modes are divided into active and non-active types: Active ECO mode has a dedicated button, allowing the driver to choose whether to enable it. When the ECO mode switch is pressed, the dashboard indicator light illuminates, and the vehicle automatically adjusts 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 turns on, it serves as a reminder function. The ECO system automatically evaluates driving behavior, and when the current driving operation achieves the optimal fuel supply, the dashboard simultaneously displays the ECO indicator light. Modern automatic transmissions are designed with different shifting logics in the electronic control unit to meet the driving requirements of different users and adapt to various road conditions. A mode selection switch is also provided on the control panel, allowing drivers to choose the transmission control mode. Common automatic transmission control modes include the following: Standard Driving Mode (NORMAL): This is the most commonly used mode in cars. In this mode, the vehicle's performance is balanced in all aspects, such as fuel efficiency, quietness, and power. It achieves the best balance between fuel economy, quietness, and power performance, making it suitable for urban driving. Power Mode (POWER): This control mode is designed to maximize the vehicle's power performance. Under this mode, the automatic transmission's shifting pattern ensures the engine frequently operates within the high-power range during driving, thereby enhancing the vehicle's power performance and climbing ability. Snow Mode (SNOW): Some automatic transmission models feature a "snowflake" button near the gear lever, which activates the snow mode. It uses automated programming to make the transmission start in second gear, ensuring smoother and gentler torque output and reducing the likelihood of tire slippage on icy or snowy roads. Sport Mode (SPORT): The electronic control unit increases the engine speed to maintain sufficient torque and enhance power performance, though this results in higher fuel consumption. It temporarily boosts engine power for rapid acceleration. In simple terms, it acts as an acceleration gear, climbing gear, or overtaking gear. Using sport mode causes a sudden increase in engine speed. Additionally, high engine speeds in sport mode can help remove carbon deposits from the engine. However, it should not be used continuously, as the transmission experiences increased load, higher temperatures, and accelerated wear in this mode. Individual Mode (INDIVIDUAL): This mode allows drivers to customize the feedback of various modules, typically including steering wheel weight, chassis stiffness, throttle response, transmission reaction, engine mode, steering system mode, and exhaust system mode.