Member Article

Gemalto and Ashwood making driving greener

In a bid to make transport more environmentally friendly, safer and more efficient, Gemalto, the world leader in digital security has worked with Ashwoods Lightfoot, a leading engine technology and telematics provider, on a pilot programme with Exeter City Council to monitor engine performance through connected devices.

Gemalto is supplying Ashwoods with Cinterion M2M modules to support its dashboard-mounted Lightfoot device enabling reliable mobile connectivity, communication and tracking between 100 private vehicles and the Lightfoot central server. The system offers motorists real-time guidance and feedback on the greenest, safest and most efficient driving techniques.

Key results from the trial included:

• Car efficiency increased by around 16%, meaning equivalent average savings in fuel consumption and reductions in harmful CO2 emissions.
• 60% of drivers achieved ‘Elite Driver’ status every week (up from just 3% previously) – awarded for hitting target efficiency levels.
• Time spent in the dangerous red zone reduced by over three quarters.

Over the eight week period, 100 citizens used the Lightfoot device in their car, with the aim of curbing vehicle emissions, optimising engine efficiency and improving driver safety. The telematics device was easily deployed under vehicle dashboards, plugging into the car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU).

Based on the technology originally developed to optimise race cars to continuously identify the engine’s ‘sweet spot’, where power and efficiency are optimized, the device is focused on changing driver behaviour in a rapid but sustainable way, rather than just delivering data for retrospective analysis. In addition to the guidance it provides, the system analyses data and motivates improved performance via gamification incentives. Once drivers reach the ‘Elite Driver’ status – or other elite categories – they are eligible to win a host of prizes to reward good driving.

“Lightfoot employs cutting edge technology to encourage and reward, better driving, improved fuel efficiency and reductions in CO2 emissions,” said Calum Roke, Senior Development Engineer for Ashwoods. “Seamless wireless connectivity is a key element of the Exeter project, and Gemalto’s M2M modules and high quality support have helped us make an immediate impact on driving performance.”

Gemalto’s Cinterion M2M modules are ideally suited to automotive environments, guaranteeing robust connectivity over mobile networks despite the high temperatures and harsh operating conditions.

“The Lightfoot represents another striking example of the connected car revolution, offering a fully interactive and intuitive approach to reducing running costs, accident rates and environmental impact,” said Christine Caviglioli, Vice President Automotive, M2M for Gemalto. “With rugged designs and a comprehensive family of footprints and interfaces, the Cinterion M2M range is a particularly strong match for the fast growing insurance telematics sector.”

After the two-month trial, the Exeter City Council pilot delivered strong results, with every participant’s driving improving each week, reducing the average time spent in the dangerous red zone (where harsh acceleration and risk are at their highest) by three quarters. Drivers also reported feeling safer, more confident and that they had more fun on the road.

In the fleet sector, Lightfoot is being used by auto insurers, including Allianz Insurance plc, to enhance business models and customer service by offering flexible pricing and the opportunity to improve driving behaviour.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gemalto .