Normally, the energy conversion efficiency in road vehicle was presented in term of amount of unit fuel per distance within specific condition where it could not be comparable in practice that the variations of dynamic traffic condition and driver behavior were impacted. To minimized energy consumption, the both traffic conditions and driver behavior needs to be managed. The traffic conditions improves as infrastructure development, but the driver behavior needs personal training with equipment
In this study, the alternative practical indicator was proposed with applying specific positive kinetic energy concept to indicate the level of vehicle dynamic behavior which relate to the level of fuel consumption rate.
Furthermore, the experimental were taken place in Pahonyothin Rd. (Bangkok, Thailand) including urban, sub-urban and highway with various traffic congestion level. In addition, the 2010-model Honda CRV 2.0l was selected as experimental vehicle with on-board combustion rate equipment for actual fuel consumption measurements.
Therefore, from the analysis the specific positive kinetic energy (sPKE) per trip was proportional to the fuel consumption excluding idling. Moreover, the proposed methodology could be applied for rate the vehicle behavior Eco-route design, Eco-traffic management or Eco-driver training to minimize energy consumption in vehicle.