Comments on: From Smart to Maserati, European Carmakers Going Green with Stop-Start

By: veek

veek — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 03:32:38 +0000

So … what is the big deal about stop-start? It’s easy enough to do right now, just by reaching up and shutting off the engine while stopped. I’ve done this fairly consistently for years, and although I certainly lower my vehicle’s pollution and C02, I never noticed the slightest difference in fuel mileage (we have 25 stop lights on the way to work). I can’t see how regenerative battery storage would make any difference unless it was connected to a propulsive electric motor, and even then, I assume regenerative batteries are far more expensive that a conventional battery (the conventional battery and starter in my Ranger are now 12 years old, so my shutting off the engine at stoplights has not been an issue in my battery or starter life either). Oh, well, whatever the government tells us to do!

By: Dom

Dom — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:28:39 +0000

To me it’s not a big deal, but simply another incremental improvement. (though I don’t think it’s all that new in Europe). I believe the VW Bluemotion models are using this now as well. With a small clean diesel engine, properly geared manual transmission, and things like start-stop enabling some of their cars to achieve 60-70mpg (think Polo), it’s no wonder Europeans aren’t swooning over hybrids like Americans do.

By: BMW Fan

BMW Fan — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:29:31 +0000

I am under the impression that the EPA mileage rating test for the city cycle only has a few short stops. This gives little credit to start/stop technology - thusly there is no incentive for auto manufacturers to put stop/stop technology only on US bound automobiles. It simply does not improve fleet CAFE numbers/reduce fines.

I could be wrong about this, but I've not heard any clear contradictions.

Any technology that helps reduce oil consumption is good!!

Cheers!

By: sri

sri — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:38:15 +0000

Whether “stop-start=greenwash” will depend on how much it adds to the cost. If it gives a 10% improvement at something like 200-300$, in other words, something that can be added to pretty much all new vehicles then it will be a big boost to fuel consumption. On the other hand if it costs in the 1500-2000$ range it will end up being a greenwash. Remember the chevy malibu so-called “hybrid”?

By: Csaba

Csaba — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:39:40 +0000

“Stop-start = greenwash” – Yes don’t do anything, especially not anything right now that is simple, fast and doesn’t really cost anything, and gives clear improvements. Keep on dreaming and drive Hummer!

By: Dom

Dom — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:28:38 +0000

"An Ecoboost Ford Focus with start-stop could approach hybrid MPG territory and cost much less up front."

Exactly. And as the first poster said, a diesel with stop-start would also be nice. Though diesels are pretty efficient at idling I hear. I agree though... don't call this technology hybrid, that just muddies the waters.

By: Rich S

Rich S — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:04:59 +0000

An Ecoboost Ford Focus with start-stop could approach hybrid MPG territory and cost much less up front..

By: Nelson Lu

Nelson Lu — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:38:36 +0000

Stop-start is helpful, but calling it "micro-hybrid" is false advertising.

By: ex-EV1 driver

ex-EV1 driver — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:42:16 +0000

Stop-start = greenwash

By: simon@syd

simon@syd — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:16:30 +0000

stop-start with diesel might be competitive with a hybrid… except for the Nox, of course.