Real-cost-of-driving meter (2013)

The actual costs of driving are difficult to estimate for any particular trip. Not only do they include fuel costs, but also includes maintenance, depreciation, and other costs. This meter displays a real-time view of the true costs of a trip based on actual fuel used and those other costs.

The meter is designed to extend Ford’s OpenXC open source automobile interface via an Arduino and custom electronics. The project included the physical meter and also Web and mobile interfaces to the meter.

This prototype was created as a collaboration with Stephen Kryskylla at the BoingBoing/OpenXC hackathon in 2013. It was awarded the “Best use of data” prize at the event.