The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to revisit its regulations surrounding auto-start/stop functions, following widespread public backlash against the feature. According to a recent post by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the agency will announce its decision this week in response to "countless" Americans who have expressed their discontent with the feature. Auto-start/stop is a technology that shuts off the gas engine when a car is idle to save fuel. Real-world studies have shown that this feature can produce a significant annual fuel savings of between 7 and 24%, potentially saving urban and suburban drivers hundreds of dollars every year. However, some critics have raised concerns that the cost savings are offset by increased maintenance costs. Alex Knizek of Consumer Reports notes that these systems are designed for this function, but like any added feature, there is the possibility that they will need maintenance or repair down the road. ...
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to revisit its regulations surrounding auto-start/stop functions, following widespread public backlash against the feature. According to a recent post by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the agency will announce its decision this week in response to “countless” Americans who have expressed their discontent with the feature.
Auto-start/stop is a technology that shuts off the gas engine when a car is idle to save fuel. Real-world studies have shown that this feature can produce a significant annual fuel savings of between 7 and 24%, potentially saving urban and suburban drivers hundreds of dollars every year.
However, some critics have raised concerns that the cost savings are offset by increased maintenance costs. Alex Knizek of Consumer Reports notes that these systems are designed for this function, but like any added feature, there is the possibility that they will need maintenance or repair down the road.
In the past, the EPA has allowed automakers to claim higher fuel efficiency in their vehicles only if the auto-start/stop feature is permanently enabled. However, this rule has been streamlined to give customers more flexibility in using the feature.
The move is seen as part of the EPA’s ongoing efforts to simplify regulations and address public concerns. In recent years, the agency has unwound regulations surrounding diesel exhaust after-treatment systems to address owner complaints about maintenance and costs.
The decision to revisit auto-start/stop regulations is likely to have significant implications for the automotive industry. With the rise of electric vehicles and alternative fuels, the EPA’s stance on fuel efficiency regulations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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