Trump's EPA Chief Launches Attack on Start/Stop Technology | Carscoops

      For someone tasked with safeguarding the environment, this is a perplexing decision.

      17 hours ago

      by Stephen Rivers

      The new head of the EPA is advocating for a ban on stop/start technology, despite its advantages for the environment.

      Research indicates that stop/start technology can decrease fuel consumption by as much as 8 percent.

      This technology has been in use for over two decades, demonstrating both efficiency and lower emissions.

      The EPA’s stated mission on its website is to “protect human health and the environment.” However, it seems the recently appointed head, under Trump, has declared an opposing stance.

      He's not targeting gas-guzzling supercars, oversized trucks sold to people who don't utilize them as intended, or oil corporations. Instead, his focus is on the stop/start system found in many contemporary vehicles, which has been shown to conserve fuel and lower carbon emissions.

      As a reminder, stop/start technology turns off a vehicle's engine when it's idling—typically at a stoplight or in traffic. Various systems function slightly differently, but most reactivate the engine as soon as the driver lifts their foot off the brake. Automakers began integrating this type of system into vehicles over 20 years ago to achieve fuel economy goals.

      The Controversy Around Stop/Start Technology

      According to EPA chief Lee Zeldin, it’s merely a “climate participation trophy.” He’s mistaken, and before elaborating, here’s his complete statement from his X account: “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.”

      Zeldin neglects to acknowledge that automotive manufacturers adopted this technology because it is evidently effective and exaggerates by stating that “everyone hates it.” Why present this statement in such a manner? Ignorance could be a factor.

      Car UK expressed its view succinctly: “He has absolutely no background in environmental law, science, or policy, unlike previous EPA heads. He’s a noted climate change skeptic. His only qualification for this significant US government position – leading a department established by Republican icon Richard Nixon – is his loyalty to Trump and his commitment to a deregulation agenda.”

      Importantly, non-political data supports the effectiveness of stop/start systems. For over 20 years, it has been evident that these systems enhance efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Jason Fenske, the founder of Engineering Explained, clarified this on his channel six years ago. A study he cited revealed real-world fuel savings of 4-8.7 percent in light to heavy traffic. This was not a theoretical calculation; it was an empirical test using actual vehicles in real traffic conditions.

      To clarify, this research indicates that the technology can begin to reduce fuel consumption in less than 8 seconds of idling at a stoplight.

      It Works

      Since that 2004 study, both the related components and systems have improved. Starters designed for these rigorous cycles have also seen advancements. While there are valid complaints about stop/start technology—it can be bothersome, and without electric compressors to maintain AC when the engine is off, vehicles can become uncomfortably warm—this does not diminish its clear benefits.

      If the EPA aims to prioritize environmental protection, it should advocate for higher fuel economy standards and ensuring they are met. Currently, it seems to be more concerned with driver comfort, which likely isn’t part of its mission.