The use of a vehicle simulator for eco-driving research

The study presents the use of a driving simulator as a tool for evaluating driver behavior in the context of eco-driving. A group of 37 drivers of varying age and experience completed a predefined urban driving scenario under controlled conditions. Based on four operational variables, each weighted by its assumed impact on fuel efficiency, the WEco indicator was developed to enable a quantitative assessment of driving style. Drivers were classified into three groups representing different levels of eco-driving performance. The results showed clear differences in fuel consumption and engine RPM, confirming the validity of the classification model. The proposed indicator offers practical applications in fleet management, driver training, and environmental impact monitoring.