Diesel prices are predicted to rise in 2017, meaning that it’s ever more important to get the most from every litre of fuel that you buy. EcoFIT, a software-based device, can help you do exactly that
Fuel efficiency is key to all operators, and engine and vehicle OEMs know that. But a variety of methods are available to help businesses use every drop of diesel as efficiently as possible, and EcoFIT – marketed and distributed by the FCL Organisation – is one of them.
EcoFIT is a device that plugs into a vehicle’s on-board diagnostic (OBD) port. It then fine-tunes the engine’s mapping to deliver the optimum economy.
Primarily, this is done by bringing the torque curve lower down the rev range, but other elements may be tweaked too, including a reduction in idle speed and alteration to the turbo boost curve.
The product is supplied as small stick, and for it to do its thing is simple. It plugs in to the OBD port while the engine is off and left for a short period. After its work is done, the engine is restarted and – importantly – left to idle for around five minutes.
“Everything that EcoFIT does is already part of the engine’s ECU mapping structures, and it remains within tolerances that are already type approved for the engine and gearbox,” says National Account Manager Mike Curran.
“As a result, the product falls under EU Block Exemption, which states that providing the drivetrain remains within the specified tolerances, warranties are unaffected.”
Smart but simple
EcoFIT has recently completed a 45-bus trial in a major London fleet. It was installed across a variety of models – including hybrids – and returned an average consumption improvement of 4.7%, says Mike.
“Heavy urban work is where we see the biggest benefit of EcoFIT because the engine spends a high proportion of its time under load on full throttle. The bus is also stationary for a lot of the time, where via a reduction in idle RPM there is also a gain to be had.”
Developing torque at lower engine speeds is not accomplished by injecting more diesel, and hence unpleasant ‘torque rumble’ is not experienced. Instead, it is achieved by adjusting how the turbo’s waste gate dumps excess pressure, and it allows the gearbox to upshift sooner.
EU law mandates that no tuning or remapping equipment or software may increase a vehicle’s emissions, and EcoFIT obeys that. It’s an important point to bear in mind, says Mark, with taxation rates often related to emissions.
EcoFIT is compatible with fuel-saving hardware items, such as ‘smart’ alternators and engine stop-start, but in the latter case the benefit will not be as pronounced as in buses that lack this function thanks to removal of the idling speed element.
In practice…
The London trial has generated valuable feedback on EcoFIT, and it has shown that a particular vehicle model gives sometimes very different results depending on the application.
This is taken into account by the device’s developer, which has undertaken in-service data collection.
“We wanted to be sure that a saving is not only possible in practice, but that it is something that is constant long-term. EcoFIT can be installed on the vehicle and will remain present for the rest of its life, and deliver a saving throughout,” says Mike.
“The 4.7% figure is an overall reading. We have seen better and we have seen worse. There are also benefits to be had on longer-distance work, and as a result EcoFIT is a worthwhile fitment to a coach.
“We have carried out trials with an LGV operator whose trucks spend a high proportion of their time on the motorway. There, we saw a 3.9% consumption improvement; not as good in percentage terms as in an urban bus, but in financial terms potentially better due to greater distances covered.”
He adds that driver reaction to EcoFIT has been positive. “Feedback from staff has been that vehicles are more responsive. As gearshifts are made earlier, they are smoother, because there is less of a step between ratios.”
Fit and forget
Each EcoFIT device locks itself to a VIN number after installation, and operators retain the unit.
“A unit cannot be re-used on another vehicle for obvious reasons, but we have a couple of options where for example an operator may lease its buses and wishes to remove EcoFIT prior to handback. Like installation, removal takes a few minutes.”
EcoFIT can also be re-installed in cases where the vehicle has received a replacement engine or if the ECU is changed or formatted by the manufacturer or a service agent.
“Of the buses we have encountered so far, we can install EcoFIT to all of them. Development is an ongoing process; when a new model is released we analyse the data and maps stored in the ECU to make the appropriate changes. All ECU mapping is public domain, so it is easily obtained.”
“We’re not making ridiculous claims of EcoFIT; it generates a safe and achievable saving that remains within tolerances and has no effect on unit life,” adds Mike. FCL has not yet finalised pricing, but it says that the fuel-saving device will deliver payback within around 12 months.
