The EPA and consumers want it gone despite the fact that it saves fuel
- The EPA may soon act on growing complaints about auto stop-start technology in cars.
- The administration says millions of Americans find the feature frustrating and annoying.
- Supporters highlight its undeniable success in saving fuel and easy user disable option.
Modern gas-powered vehicles are packed with features aimed at boosting efficiency and among them, auto start/stop technology stands out for its simplicity and impact. By shutting off the engine when the car is stationary and restarting it when needed, this system helps save millions of gallons of fuel each year.
However, despite its effectiveness, it’s become a target for criticism from drivers, and now, from the Environmental Protection Agency as well. Thus, its future may be more uncertain than expected.
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As it stands, automakers are incentivized to include it in their cars. They get credit for doing so from the EPA, which can mean more profit overall. Until very recently, meeting specific fuel economy targets was important also because it saved automakers money. Now, with no penalties for missing corporate average fuel economy targets, start/stop technology might be about to change.
EPA Signals a Shift
The EPA has already signaled its desire to get rid of it. In May, Lee Zeldin, head of the EPA, said the technology was little more than a climate participation trophy. Recently, his administration told AutoNews that “stop/start technology is a feature in automobiles that frustrates millions of Americans. Please stay tuned for more information about how EPA intends to address this issue.”
No doubt, there are several everyday drivers who dislike the feature. That’s why there are several different ways to disable it, hack it, or even eliminate it altogether. Notably, proponents point out that buyers who don’t like the feature can simply turn it off.
“I think people tend to like saving money on gas, and if not, it can be disabled,” said Albert Gore, executive director of the Zero Emission Transportation Association. “I don’t know why that is an option that needs to be taken away from people.” Perhaps the solution will be leaving the system in place but making it default to off rather than on.
As we pointed out in our earlier coverage, auto start/stop tech does exactly what it’s designed to do. It saves fuel in scenarios where drivers start and stop on a regular basis. Does that mean that it’s perfect and unobtrusive? No, and at least in this aspect of driving culture, it appears that most consumers prefer losing money at the pump to avoid what is mostly a minor inconvenience in traffic.
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