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It is no secret that modern vehicles are becoming more complex under the pretext of "saving the planet". Various governing bodies are putting pressure on car companies to make cars "greener” and reduce the impact of the internal combustion engine. Many believe (and rightfully so) that the push for more eco-friendly motoring has resulted in less reliable cars, particularly through the introduction of emissions equipment like the Otto particulate filter (OPF), exhaust recirculation gas (EGR) valve, and others.
But by far the most annoying modern feature is the dreaded Start-stop system, which turns your engine off as soon as you come to a complete stop. There have been plenty of debates regarding the level of impact this system has when it comes to reducing the carbon footprint of a car, and there is plenty of data that is against the Start/stop system.
But fairly recent evidence suggests the days of one of the most hated features in modern vehicles might be numbered. Back in May, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin recently posted on the social media, X, and it gives us hope that the automotive industry will slowly heal from the pressure applied on carmakers. Here's what he says:
“Start-stop technology: where your car dies at every red light so companies get a climate participation trophy. EPA approved it, and everyone hates it, so we’re fixing it.”
What exactly sits behind “the fix”?
While the post doesn't give out a lot of information, automotive aficionado Kirk Kreifels argues that the EPA could remove the benefits that the car companies utilizing Start/stop systems get.
Mandating a better implementation would be good, but seeing how many cars already have it, I'd say that train has already left. Granted, you can have the system disabled via software, but the option of turning it off permanently through a menu would have been nice.
Automatic start-stop isn't as new as you may think
You may be surprised to know that the first implementation of a start/stop system came in 1974, when Toyota developed the first version of the system, aimed at reducing emissions for use in the Toyota Crown. It worked like the modern-day system, by automatically shutting off the engine at a complete stop and automatically restarting it when the driver depresses the brake pedal.
The first production car to feature a Start-stop system was the 1983 Volkswagen Polo “Formel E”, shortly followed by the Fiat Regata ES "City-matic", which was not sold in North America.
The problem with automatic start-stop
Most cars that feature the system are not designed around it. Sure, they have beefed up starters to handle the extra demand the system puts on them, but they don't really work adequately much of the time. I have driven cars (I won't mention the brand) where the start/stop function shuts the engine off even before the car comes to a complete stop. Frankly, it is annoying.
Another annoying thing that many drivers hate is that you must turn the system off manually every time you get in the car. Eventually, some cars will remember the driver's choice and turn it off automatically, but as soon as you disconnect the battery for whatever reason, those settings reset, and you are back to pressing the Start-stop button every time you get in.
The disadvantage no one talks about
Another disadvantage is that while some companies report improved fuel economy, restarting the engine requires a lot more fuel compared to when a car is idling. This means that, on short stops, the start/stop system not only doesn't reduce the impact of the internal combustion engine but actually wastes more fuel. Therefore, the use of the system is only viable if you are sitting at a traffic light for a longer period. As a bonus, the start/stop function feels especially weird on the manual Toyota GR Supra.
Where automatic start-stop works
As annoying as the Start/stop system is, there is one place where the system works great – in hybrid vehicles. The addition of an electric motor, assisting the internal combustion engine, means that the hybrid powertrain does not require a traditional starter, as that role is handled by the e-motor. This makes for a smoother transition.
It is particularly true for full hybrids, which can drive on electricity alone, up to a certain speed.
More recent mild hybrids are also working on the same principle as they feature starter-generators (small e-motors, typically integrated into the transmission bellhousing) instead of a traditional starter. Some of them can also accelerate from a standstill like FHEV or PHEV models, provided you are gentle enough with the accelerator.
There are still very few details regarding the "fix” for the Start/stop system and what it would mean. I suspect, non-hybrid vehicles will be the first to stop featuring the system, as it doesn't make much sense anyway.
Updates on the matter are pending, but I am curious to hear your opinion. Are you against the Start/stop system, or do you think it should stay?
I think it works pretty good on hybrid vehicles, but should not be offered on non-hybrid ones. If you still want to reduce the carbon footprint of your non-hybrid vehicle, you can always switch your engine off manually and start it again when the light turns green (provided you'll be spending an appropriate time stationary). Feel free to hit the comment section below and let me know what you think.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: Bindydad123 via Commons.Wikimedia.org
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Comments
We seem to have sacrificed…
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We seem to have sacrificed reliability and longevity for some features that have questionable effects on both. Efficiency is good but not to sacrifice reliability and longevity especially when the energy cost to replace a vehicle is so high.
I bought a device that…
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I bought a device that disarms this so it has to be turned on to work, if you want your engine to stop, A/C to stop when your at a red light.
Hope they remove this EPA idea!
One of the best…
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One of the best modifications that I did on both of my Audis was to defeat auto stall. One of my cars is a 6 speed manual and this so called ‘feature’ is downright unsafe on any manual transmission car.
Stop-start will save you on…
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Stop-start will save you on the order of $75 a year on fuel. Multiply that by thr number of cars on the road and it's probably $5-10b dollars back in American's pockets that they can spend on something more useful than simply being wasted. If you don't like it, turn it off.
I absolutely detest this…
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I absolutely detest this feature on my Mazda CX-5, it has been solely responsible for some near misses when I have to turn right during a gap in oncoming traffic, in my head I’m perfectly timed to get through the intersection…apart from the fact the car decided it was better for the environment to snooze and restart only after three seconds on hitting the accelerator.
I see why it saves carbon emissions for the long-term - just kill the driver.