The aim of a car’s stop-start technology is not only to save costly fuel, but it’s also to reduce those horrible gas emissions affecting the earth’s climate. Alternative energy such as solar panels and wind turbines is one way to wean ourselves more and more off fossil fuels. But does the car’s stop-start technology save fuel? Let’s find out.1
Off to a bad start1
The first stop-start systems were cutting out car engines at every conceivable moment to the point where it became irritating to motorists. It also became dangerous when a motorist, for example, would try and accelerate into a gap around a traffic circle, but the engine hadn’t started yet.
Improved system1
Fortunately, with time, manufacturers have corrected the stop-start technology. No longer do motorists face a sudden loss of power with petrol engines but are now enjoying a more refined action. Diesel car owners must still face engines battling to stop-start. The expensive diesel Audis have an almost smooth transition during the sop-start process, but not so yet with the diesel VW Golf.
Why have this stop-start technology? 1
Manufacturers would face horrendous amounts of tax if gas emissions were too much. In addition, Euro and EPA regulations have become so strict that manufacturers would not be able to sell their cars.
Does the stop-start system pass the test? 1
The European system used to test the stop-start process approves gas emissions set at official limits. But there are serious doubts about the accuracy of such a test. As VW has demonstrated, such tests can also be grossly misleading.
What about the latest test method? 1
Designed in the 1990s, the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) is a test method used by authorities in Europe, the UK, and Australia. The test involves placing a car in a laboratory on a rolling road surface designed to copy real-life driving conditions. In this way, researchers can assess the environmental impact of the emissions. Even though the method is contentious in its efficacy, manufacturers insist that test conditions are reasonable.
It’s challenging to test according to real-life scenarios1
Researchers also say that real-life testing would be nebulous to achieve seeing there are too many variables to consider. Still, some argue that the test is done too gently, with a car accelerating slowly and finally cruising at low speeds. During the thirteen-minute NEDC test of the urban section, the car stops for one minute. It means that 8% of the time a car’s engine is not idling, thus resulting in a considerable drop in fuel consumption and gas emissions.
Appreciate the magnitude1
When you consider a million motorists a day standing still at many traffic lights in a city, with all their engines running, it makes absolute sense to have this stop-start technology in place. The only downside manufacturers still need to address is that the air-conditioner and other auxiliary power features gradually drain the battery after many stop-starts.
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This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.