A Day For Celebration As The Dreaded Start Stop System Could Be Going Away In A Variety Of Future Vehicles
Another disadvantage is that while some companies report improved fuel economy, restarting the engine requires a lot more fuel compared to when a car is idling. This means that, on short stops, the start/stop system not only doesn’t reduce the impact of the internal combustion engine but actually wastes more fuel. Therefore, the use of the system is only viable if you are sitting at a traffic light for a longer period. As a bonus, the start/stop function feels especially weird on the manual Toyota GR Supra.
As annoying as the Start/stop system is, there is one place where the system works great – in hybrid vehicles. The addition of an electric motor, assisting the internal combustion engine, means that the hybrid powertrain does not require a traditional starter, as that role is handled by the e-motor. This makes for a smoother transition.
It is particularly true for full hybrids, which can drive on electricity alone, up to a certain speed.
More recent mild hybrids are also working on the same principle as they feature starter-generators (small e-motors, typically integrated into the transmission bellhousing) instead of a traditional starter. Some of them can also accelerate from a standstill like FHEV or PHEV models, provided you are gentle enough with the accelerator.
There are still very few details regarding the “fix” for the Start/stop system and what it would mean. I suspect, non-hybrid vehicles will be the first to stop featuring the system, as it doesn’t make much sense anyway.
Updates on the matter are pending, but I am curious to hear your opinion. Are you against the Start/stop system, or do you think it should stay?
I think it works pretty good on hybrid vehicles, but should not be offered on non-hybrid ones. If you still want to reduce the carbon footprint of your non-hybrid vehicle, you can always switch your engine off manually and start it again when the light turns green (provided you’ll be spending an appropriate time stationary). Feel free to hit the comment section below and let me know what you think.
Dimitar Angelov‘s automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov’s car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: Bindydad123 via Commons.Wikimedia.org