Not a Display, This Is the Function of the Eco Indicator in Cars

Some new cars are equipped with an eco indicator located on the instrument panel of the speedometer. However, many car owners do not yet understand its function.

Before discussing further, it should be emphasised that the eco indicator is different from the eco mode found on most modern cars that offer a driving mode option.

In other words, the eco indicator operates automatically while driving and is not manually activated via a button like eco mode.

Moreover, the eco indicator is present in almost every car, even in the low-cost green car (LCGC) segment. Unlike eco mode, which is usually available on cars priced above roughly Rp 250 million.

‘The Eco indicator is not a driving mode, but a reference for the driver to drive more efficiently when pressing the accelerator,’ Didi told Kompas.com.

In appearance, the eco indicator display usually varies between cars. Some have a leaf symbol, the word “eco”, or a green line on the digital speedometer.

Didi elaborated that the eco indicator will light up depending on how the driver drives. If the accelerator pedal is pressed too deeply, the indicator will not light up.

‘For example, if you press the accelerator pedal too hard, the eco indicator won’t light up. But when you lift off the pedal a little, the indicator will light up,’ said Didi.

When the ECU reads an efficient driving style, the indicator will light up. For example, when driving steadily at a constant speed.