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EPA removes start-stop incentives, ending unpopular red-light engine shut-offs
Citizen Watch Report ^ | Alex

Posted on 05/13/2025 3:39:39 AM PDT by davikkm

The Environmental Protection Agency is rolling back fuel economy incentives for start-stop technology, a system that automatically shuts off a car’s engine when stopped at a red light or in traffic. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the decision, calling the feature a “climate participation trophy” that drivers overwhelmingly dislike. The move marks a significant shift in federal policy, reversing regulations that encouraged automakers to include the system in new vehicles.

Start-stop technology was introduced as part of Obama-era emissions rules, designed to reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions. The system became widespread, with 65 percent of new cars featuring it by 2023. While environmental advocates praised the technology, many drivers found it frustrating, complaining about sluggish acceleration, reduced air conditioning performance, and unnecessary wear on engine components. For years, automakers insisted the system was beneficial, but consumers never bought into it. Now, the government is finally listening.

(Excerpt) Read more at citizenwatchreport.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Government
KEYWORDS: autoindustry; automakers; automotive; econuts; epa; startstop; startstoptechnology
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To: equaviator

You were able to rent a manual? And you have the nerve to complain? I’ll PM you the address to return your man card. :)


21 posted on 05/13/2025 5:04:45 AM PDT by cyclotic (Don’t be part of the problem. Be the entire problem)
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To: davikkm

We unfortunately had to buy a vehicle during the plandemic. With the chip shortage Ford was having trouble fielding chips for the start-stop. They gave us $50 to NOT put in the BS “feature” we didn’t want.


22 posted on 05/13/2025 5:05:31 AM PDT by Repeat Offender
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To: davikkm

I believe existing cars on the road could have their systems updated to remove this function. Either in the programming, or with a hardware update. The car basically has to ‘decide’ when to just itself off, based on a number of conditions. NO reason it cannot be turned off


23 posted on 05/13/2025 5:06:37 AM PDT by z3n (Kakistocracy)
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To: davikkm

I got tired of having to hit the button to turn the “feature” off every time I started the vehicle - got lucky with the new Rav 4 - got the overhead view package that includes using the camera from the rear view mirror if you have stuff piled in the back, blocking the view - the control to turn it off is via buttons on the mirror (weird place for it), but once I turned it off, it stayed off - don’t have to mess with it every time I get in the car.


24 posted on 05/13/2025 5:19:32 AM PDT by trebb (So many fools - so little time...)
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To: redfreedom

Get a diesel truck, they don’t shut off.


25 posted on 05/13/2025 5:20:20 AM PDT by Resolute Conservative
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To: davikkm

There’s a button on the dash of my Chevy labelled “A” that enables/disables the engine shut off.


26 posted on 05/13/2025 5:21:18 AM PDT by Dalberg-Acton
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To: rlmorel

I get it.
This is the only car I’ve had with it. I hope I don’t run into the problems you had.


27 posted on 05/13/2025 5:43:23 AM PDT by nuconvert ( Warning: Accused of being a radical militarist. Approach with caution.)
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To: nuconvert

I am more irritated about the process to incorporate the “feature”! As it is, it is just an annoyance to deal with...until it leaves you stranded in the road!


28 posted on 05/13/2025 5:54:56 AM PDT by rlmorel ("A people that elect corrupt politicians are not victims...but accomplices." George Orwell)
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To: davikkm

I rented a cheap Ford Focus or some such with practically no automated or computerized features. It was so easy to drive and quiet, felt like a breeze. I preferred it over my newer BMW.


29 posted on 05/13/2025 6:03:43 AM PDT by GreatRoad ('In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act' )
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To: davikkm

The real purpose was to make cars more expensive and less pleasurable to drive.

Because the left hates freedom of transport almost as much as it hates freedom of speech.


30 posted on 05/13/2025 6:16:18 AM PDT by TheThirdRuffian (Orange is the new brown)
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To: Dalberg-Acton

My son and wife both have a Honda CRV. My wife’s is about six years old. You can shut off this feature if you want.
She had to look it up in the manual.

My son had bought a new CRV during Covid. His previous car(Suburu Impreza)needed a new transmission. This shut off feature on his needs to be turned off each time you start the vehicle. There is no way to turn it off permanently.

There are “fixes” you can do to many automobiles to disable this. Apparently, the companies have not made one for Hondas.


31 posted on 05/13/2025 6:17:33 AM PDT by woodbutcher1963
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To: davikkm

My 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee HEMI V8 has an option in “Controls”, to negate the ‘start-stop’ idiocy. I turned it off before I left the dealership, on day one.


32 posted on 05/13/2025 6:25:52 AM PDT by Carriage Hill (A society grows great when old men plant trees, in whose shade they know they will never sit.)
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To: davikkm

Remember the years when you HAD TO FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT to get the car to start?


33 posted on 05/13/2025 6:36:43 AM PDT by Ruy Dias de Bivar ( )
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To: davikkm

Just another one of the insane regulations that government loves to force on us. Remember the rules that prevented cars from starting if you didn’t have the seat belt buckled? I believe I encountered this on a Toyota in the 70’s. It was possible to turn the “feature” off, which I did.


34 posted on 05/13/2025 6:45:59 AM PDT by I want the USA back (America is once again GREAT! )
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To: woodbutcher1963

The one on the Chevy stays off or on, as you set it. Doesn’t reset at startup. 2021 Silverado 1500.


35 posted on 05/13/2025 6:56:08 AM PDT by Dalberg-Acton
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To: Nifty
PITA but eventually you can get used to doing that.

Just like everything else that the Left foists upon the working world, in an effort to keep their hyper-sanctimony well-fed.

36 posted on 05/13/2025 7:09:43 AM PDT by Teacher317
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To: Dalberg-Acton

A lot of this new technology/EPA regulations on automobiles is why I have decided to keep my 2012 Tacoma. Plus the vehicle I am considering buying is a Lexus 2012-2015 IS350C.
Which low mileage used models are around for between 20K-30K. Depending on how low the miles.

Almost all the new vehicles now have 4 cylinder turbos now.
Even all the new pickups have these engines now.


37 posted on 05/13/2025 7:10:23 AM PDT by woodbutcher1963
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To: Sirius Lee

The idea of the bearings in my Bronco’s turbocharger marinating in hot, non circulating engine oil causes me a bit of concern on the effects on the turbocharger’s longevity.


38 posted on 05/13/2025 7:24:41 AM PDT by Antihero101607
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To: redfreedom

If you have the small start battery, you just disconnect the plug on the positive terminal. Check out youtube for your specific model.


39 posted on 05/13/2025 7:33:45 AM PDT by Fireone (1.Avoid crowds 2.Head on a swivel 3.Be prepared to protect & defend those around you 4.Avoid crowds)
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To: davikkm

If there’s no incentive it’ll be gone very quickly, asap.

I highly doubt it even provides the claimed benefits in reality. It only adds up for urban traffic when you hit red lights, which isn’t always. If your commute is mostly freeway or rural the benefit is practically zero.

It can only wear out your starter motor more quickly as well.


40 posted on 05/13/2025 7:41:36 AM PDT by fuzzylogic (welfare state = sharing of poor moral choices among everybody)
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