Collectively, the emission reductions achieved by the study’s participants represented $18,304 in fuel cost savings when matched against the national average. 5,091 gallons of gasoline were saved, and Toyota said the reductions in CO2 were the equivalent of 748 trees sequestering carbon for 10 years. Compared to the baseline, 45,235,623 g of CO2 greenhouse gases were saved.
Using Eco mode in a non-hybrid model sees the most significant benefits, with a reduction in tailpipe CO2 of 26%. In a hybrid model, the reduction is 4% since the vehicle already operates more efficiently in general driving.
Remapped throttle inputs in Eco mode and more efficient operation of the HVAC system are the main changes that bring about these reduced emissions.
