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Present in many modern cars, yet hated by the vast majority of motorists, the “Start-Stop” function seems to be on the chopping block. The US Environmental Protection Agency aims to do away with it. If you have a recent car, it may be equipped with a “Start-Stop” mode, also known as an automatic stop-start system. This is a system that automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill – at a red light, for example – and restarts it when the driver releases the brake pedal or engages the clutch. This technology aims to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.
Although it has been around since the 1970s, it became more widespread during the 2000s, when the debate on climate change intensified. In the United States, the Obama administration has imposed new regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. According to a report published by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2023, 65% of private cars were equipped with this type of solution.
A system hated by motorists
Admittedly, start-stop does help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles fitted with it: various studies suggest that up to 10 million tonnes are avoided every year in the United States alone. Nevertheless, a majority of Americans find the system “annoying”. And motorists in the rest of the world think no less.
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In addition to the irritating side of this technology, garage owners on Reddit have also described situations in which cars equipped with a ‘start-stop’ have required faster repairs than other models, due to greater wear and tear on certain parts.
“We approved it, but everyone hates it”.
These findings have prompted the EPA to take the bull by the horns. On X, Lee Zeldin, its administrator, had this to say about the issue: “Start/stop technology: your car stops at every red light so that companies can get a climate participation award. The EPA approved it, and everyone hates it, so we’re changing that.”
A small but important detail: Lee Zeldin is a member of the cabinet of Donald Trump, the current President of the United States, who has made it his mission to “undo” as many decisions as possible taken by Barack Obama and Joe Biden during their respective terms in office. In fact, this desire to bury start-stop is undoubtedly partly rooted in political considerations.
However, for the time being, this statement is not associated with any concrete decision. It is possible that the constraints will be eased for car manufacturers, who could therefore have the choice between continuing to integrate this functionality into their vehicles, or abandoning it in the future. But nothing is certain at the moment.
But is it effective?
The automatic start-stop system can be annoying, but we shouldn’t forget its main purpose: to reduce emissions and save fuel. According to a study by Consumer Reports, start-stop can indeed be effective, but the results vary. For drivers who mainly drive in town or on routes with many traffic lights, it is possible to save between 7.27% and 26.4% of fuel per journey. On the other hand, for people who drive mainly on the motorway, the savings are smaller. A fairly logical finding, in the final analysis.
