Comparative Analysis of Driver Interface Systems in Ultra-Efficient Lightweight Electric Vehicles: A Study on Energy Efficiency and Driver Focus

This paper presents a comprehensive examination of two driver interface systems within the context of Ultra-Efficient Lightweight Electric Vehicles (ULEV) aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and optimizing driver focus. The vehicle employs two interface systems: a 10.1-inch touchscreen tablet with a custom Graphical User interface (GUI) that offers comprehensive data management, diagnostics, and control functionalities and a 5.5-inch wide, passive OLED display designed for ultra-low energy consumption. The tablet's advanced features come with the potential for driver distraction. In contrast, the OLED display takes a minimalist approach by presenting only critical information. This enhances driving focus and efficiency. This research utilizes a wearable eye-tracking device to measure drivers' focus and distraction levels while also logging driving performance and energy consumption data. The aim is to determine the most effective interface for promoting efficient driving practices. The study achieved significant insights into the balancing of information accessibility and cognitive load in driving while also optimizing energy efficiency. The results demonstrate the advantages of assistant systems, which reduce energy consumption by 11-15%, provide concentrated information projection, and minimize driver distraction.