EPA Looks To Get Auto-Engine Idle Feature Out Of Vehicles

Well, this would be a big conundrum for the Trump haters: do they support ditching auto-engine idle/start-stop because every single one of them hate the feature, or oppose because Orange Man Bad?

EPA takes aim at start-stop systems in cars, calls feature a ‘climate participation trophy’

The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to roll back federal incentives for automatic start-stop technology in new vehicles.

EPA administrator Lee Zeldin announced the move Monday on social media, calling start-stop systems a “climate participation trophy” that most drivers dislike.

“EPA approved it, and everyone hates it, so we’re fixing it,” Zeldin posted on the social media platform X.

The system automatically shuts off a vehicle’s engine when it comes to a complete stop—like at a red light or in traffic—and restarts when the driver lifts their foot off the brake or taps the accelerator.

While not required by law, the feature became widespread due to fuel economy credits granted under federal emissions rules. Start-stop systems are considered an “off-cycle” emissions-reduction technology, meaning they provide benefits not measured during standard testing procedures.

The incentive was created more than a decade ago as part of federal emissions and fuel economy standards, which aimed to reward automakers for adding technologies that cut pollution in ways not captured by traditional testing. Start-stop systems are one of several features that qualify.

Two things: first, the engines aren’t shutting off on every vehicle, some just go into an idle, especially those which are more fuel efficient. Second, they are really put in vehicles to avoid fines and fees from certain Blue states, as increasing the the fuel economy a tiny bit on each vehicle helps across the entire line. That came directly from a high level suit who works for a car manufacturer. Heck, they’d remove the moonroofs if they could. The extra weight and slight air flow change reduces MPG just a little bit.

Supporters say the technology can reduce fuel consumption in city driving and lower greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Battery Council International, start-stop systems helped eliminate nearly 10 million tons of emissions in 2023 alone.

Tests by the Society of Automotive Engineers show the feature can improve fuel economy by 7% to 26% in stop-and-go traffic. However, the benefits are minimal for highway driving.

And the minute the car has done it a few times in traffic people shut them off. But, that doesn’t matter, because they are about EPA testing, not for you the consumer.

The EPA’s proposal would not ban start-stop systems but would eliminate the incentives that reward automakers for including them.

But, again, that would only end the federal incentives: you’d still have the state mandates. So, would manufacturers still install auto engine idle to avoid the fines/fees? Or, would those states drop the mandates? Because, yeah, there may be some “advocates”, as the article says, but, I bet they hate driving cars with auto engine idle as well.

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