Latest news with #autoStartStop
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
EPA Chief Explains How He'll End Auto Start/Stop Tech
Read the full story on The Auto Wire EPA chief Lee Zeldin set the internet ablaze a few days ago when he took to his X social media account to slam auto start/stop systems on cars. While he declared it would be the end of the technology most people cheered. However, a few who actually think the tech is good tried arguing that there's nothing the EPA can do to make it go sensing this pushback and realizing he needs to clarify what he's going to actually do, Zeldin sat down for an interview on News Nation to spell things out. But first, he made it clear that he, like the majority of Americans, has contempt for the tech and the fact it was foisted upon the public during the Obama administration. While it's technically true the EPA didn't force automakers to adopt auto start/stop systems in cars, it did incentivize the feature starting in 2012. Today, quite a few newer vehicles have it and most people hate the feature. If you don't, well that's good for you, because most people do. When pressed on what he's doing about auto start/stop systems, Zeldin explained the EPA is going to yank the off-cycle credit automakers get for putting it into new vehicles. That's right, he can't ban the use of the system, but Zeldin as head of the EPA can have the incentive for its use, which was created solely by the executive branch of the federal government 13 years ago, done away with. We don't expect the tech will just completely disappear. There are some people who like it for whatever reason. But we do think automakers know most consumers hate it, so with the incentive to keep it removed, it will largely disappear. Maybe it will be an optional feature or will be relegated to only certain model lines – we're not sure. But we expect automakers will adjust to the change rapidly, especially as consumers make their wishes well known. Image copyright The Auto Wire Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
EPA director takes aim at unpopular car feature
By Published: | Updated: Zeldin's post on X went viral with eight million views, 11,000 reposts, and 92,000 likes in 24 hours. The auto start/stop technology was integrated in most vehicles by 2020 as a way for automakers to reach Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. The feature ensured the vehicle turns off the engine every time it comes to a complete stop and automatically restarts when the accelerator pedal is pressed. By making it a standard feature that automatically turned on, the EPA allowed automakers to claim fuel economy benefits that did not appear in the overall air quality standards. But drivers who hate the feature, have voiced frustration that they are required to turn it off every time they start their vehicle. Zeldin's announcement drew immediate support from drivers across the political spectrum. 'Not only does your car die at every red light, so does your air conditioning,' wrote author and journalist Michael Barone. 'Makes it uncomfortable waiting 3 minutes for the green arrows in places like Florida.' 'If Trump gets this done, he belongs on Mount Rushmore,' wrote influencer Matt Van Swol. 'Yes!! I can verify, as a car salesman, nearly everybody hates it. From personal testing, for most it doesn't save much anyway. 900 miles in a month, 0.02 gal saved,' car salesmen Litizen Jeff wrote . 'Also, it's unsafe (e.g. stalling out briefly in the center lane as you're about to make a left turn.)' 'Please do. It breaks cars. Our Honda would stall and not start leaving us in vulnerable situations. Also, it makes cars hesitate when you are pulling out across traffic. It's dangerous,' wrote Matt Nachtrab. It's unclear exactly how Zeldin plans to address the issue, but widespread support for the idea indicated it will be a priority. The Environmental Protection Agency did not return a Daily Mail request for comment.
