Help the leaves of efficiency grow! ?? #Ford #FusionHybrid #FordByDesignhttps://t.co/ekfAhze6Hl
— Ford Drive Green (@FordDriveGreen) June 8, 2016
Ford was ahead of its time when it introduced "Efficiency Leaves" over half a decade ago. Hybrid models, like the C-Max Hybrid and Fusion Energi, feature SmartGauge® with EcoGuide in place of the traditional gauge cluster.
On the right side of the customizable screen, drivers see a small vine with a couple of leaves. If they drive efficiently by braking smoothly, accelerating gradually, and keeping speed low, then they are treated by the vine growing larger, and sprouting more and more leaves.
It's like a digital pet that you nurture with good driving habits.
Drive with a lead foot, and your vine starts to wilt. Nobody likes to lose progress in a game, and for some, watching the vine shrink feels like killing a plant.
An efficiency gauge, simply by taking the form of beautiful leaves instead of a dial, becomes an effective tool for teaching drivers fuel-saving and emission-reducing habits.
It's a concept called "gamification," or using game elements to make real life more engaging. Gamification is becoming increasingly popular in education, and by businesses, but when Ford initiated Efficiency Leaves, it was a relatively new idea.
Looking for hybrid technology that's one step ahead of the curve? Visit Orleans Ford in Medina, and take a test drive.