[BenLurkin]

"One feature likely to become commonplace: The automatic start-stop technology--or "golf cart" effect--that's standard on hybrids. Shutting down the engine during stops and running accessories off a battery instead of the gas engine..."

Sounds like a really bad idea for those of us who have lengthy stop and go commutes.

[MediaMole]

A properly designed system that stops the motor when ever you are stopped would save a ton of gas for people with stop and go commutes. It might be hard on the engine and require bigger batteries, but it would be one effective way to reduce gas comsumption and pollution.

[luckystarmom]

It works wonderfully in the Prius. It also makes the Prius very quiet. It feels more like my parent’s Lexus because it is so quiet inside the car.

It doesn’t change the performance at all. It’s seemless to the driver. The Prius also has very good acceleration because it uses a computer to change transmission.

[Smokin' Joe]

"One feature likely to become commonplace: The automatic start-stop technology--or "golf cart" effect--that's standard on hybrids. Shutting down the engine during stops and running accessories off a battery instead of the gas engine..."

Sounds like a really bad idea for those of us who have lengthy stop and go commutes.

It sounds even worse to those of us who live in an area where being stuck in snow can get you killed if you cannot keep the heater going. That 'waste heat' from the engine is (literally) a lifesaver up here.

Lighter, smaller, lower, less powerful vehicles with engines which automatically shut off might be a warm-weather utopian's wet dream, but here, it will kill people.

[mamelukesabre]

I don’t think so. I think it only makes sense for people with lengthy stop and go commutes. The rest of us it won’t save enough to pay for itself.