EPA Ends Start-stop Technology

The authority’s leader announced the EPA ends start-stop technology in the largest deregulatory action in history

The EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin, announced that it will end the 2009 EPA Endangerment Finding, which found that carbon dioxied, methane, nitrous oxide and other gases were harmful to the environment and public health.

By doing so, the EPA ends start-stop technology, which was one of the most controversial features fitted in modern cars. The EPA argues that eliminating this technology will save Americans billions. 

One common argument is that the engine having to stop and star frequently can lead to premature engine wear. The reality is that this is not the reason why the EPA ends start-stop technology.

This finding was a part of the Clean Air Act, which aimed to reduce emissions with new regulations and restrictions. 

After all, this technology is only a consequence of a larger effort to reduce emissions. The start-stop technology is a feature that effectively shuts down the engine when the vehicle isn’t moving, i.e.: in bumper to bumper traffic. Once the driver releases the brake pedal, the engine starts again. 

Zeldin also explained that the agency is also ending credits to automakers that install the technology in their vehicles. With these two moves, the EPA ends start-stop technology which had never enamored drivers. 

Did start-stop technology reduce emissions?

One of the most critical discussions around start-stop technology is whether it worked in reducing emissions. Although the technology has existed since after the 1973 Oil Crisis, it took off in use after the 2009 EPA Endangerment Finding.

Around 66% of vehicles now have the technology, and the Society of Automotive Engineers estimates that it can save anywhere from 7% to 26% in fuel consumption. However, the technology also led to some frustration, as acceleration did lag for a second after starting. 

Another point of debate is whether the start-stop feature damages engine longetivity. For years, the discussion has filled forums, and the general idea is that it doesn’t necessarily cause long-term damage anymore than other maintenance issues. 

What happens after the EPA ends start-stop technology?

While the feature isn’t the most beloved by drivers worldwide, it did provide some savings, and with the EPA rolling back a lot of mandates and requirements, it’s likely that, once the EPA ends start-stop technology, it won’t come back.

Automakers have no benefit in introducing the technology, especially now that mileage and fuel economy requirements are more relaxed. At the same time, being that it wasn’t a feature many people asked for, chances are that not many people will ask for it.