Hybrids are no longer the only vehicles that can benefit from the ability to automatically switch off the engine when the car isn't moving.
When the 2013 +Ford Motor Company Fusion arrives later this year, the 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder will also be available with an auto start-stop system that switches off the engine when the car comes to a stop and seamlessly re-starts it when the driver releases the brake pedal. The 1.6-liter is expected to take the largest percentage of sales among the new Fusion's five powertrain options and the auto start-stop system will add just $295 to the bottom line.
Because of the EPA drive cycles that are used for calculating fuel economy estimates are set up, the benefits of auto start-stop aren't reflected on new car labels. But in the real world, the benefits can be significant.
By reducing engine idle time, drivers can save anywhere from 3.5-10% on fuel consumption especially if they spend a lot of time in stop and go traffic. At $4 a gallon, a driver that spends most of their time in city traffic could potentially save over $200 a year with auto start-stop and pay for the system in just 18 months.
Not a bad deal. http://fordfusionstory.com
#2013fordfusion #fordfusionstory
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CleanMPG Forums – 2013 Ford Fusion Adds Start/Stop for Just $295!
Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 1, 2012 2013 Ford Fusion equipped with the 1.6L EcoBoost will be rated at 37 mpgUS highway. When equipped with Start/Stop, future owners should experience full payback …
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Even Ferrari's have an auto start-stop system in Europe 😉 Good to see that the US is also starting to use it.
Almost every car in Europa has an auto start-stop system standard or as an option.
+Robbie AB there have been two main issues holding it up here. Because the benefits aren't reflected on the EPA test cycle, it was harder to justify the cost.
Secondly, in Europe, manual transmissions are the majority and it's easier to do start-stop with a manual. Here in the US where automatics take 90+% of sales it's a bit more complex. The transmission has to be modified to retain the hydraulic pressure necessary for shifting when the engine is off. This adds engineering and cost to start-stop. With both regulated and real world fuel economy demands rising, we'll probably see a lot more of these start-stop systems in the next few years.
+Sam Abuelsamid I know 😉 But automatic + start-stop is also becoming more mainstream (look at BMW for instance).
One of the biggest problems will be the 'price'. In Europe you get a reward (less tax) and in the US it is more difficult to sell.
Not sure start/stop will do much to the market over any few years. People have under-estimated the onslaught of attractive electric cars that will be arriving in the next 3-5 years. If the Volt had a BMW logo, it would be selling like hookers on a troop train. Once people realize the convenience of charging over-night in their own garages, a decent percentage of the population will be demanding electric cars in the next 3-5 years.
I think that what we'll probably see is start-stop move from an extra cost option to being standard on almost every ICE vehicle within the next 5-6 years. By comparison plug-ins will probably remain a very small niche for the foreseeable future.