Why yes, people would enjoy stop-start engine technology
Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Green Daily
Micro hybrid. Start-stop. Whatever we call it, people like it. The micro hybrid system, currently available in cars like the Smart fortwo and through aftermarket suppliers like Ricardo, is preferred by three out of four drivers, the UK's Motorpoint car supermarket group found in a recent survey. This technology is cheap to implement (compared to full hybrid systems) and is available today, but isn't exactly widespread. Only Citroen, BMW and Mini offer it on non-hybrid vehicles. Motorpoint found that a start-stop system, which shuts down the engine when the car isn't moving and then quickly restarts it when the driver pushes the accelerator, would be a hit among drivers because it gets up to an eight percent fuel cost reduction boost in urban driving. The CO2 emissions are a side benefit in the public's mind. More details after the jump.
Press Release:
Motorists turned on by untapped stop-start engine technology savings
Three out of four drivers say they would buy a car that automatically cuts and restarts the engine in traffic in a massive thumbs-up for technology that is already in production but suffers from restricted availability.
Fuel costs saving of up to 8% in urban driving is the top reason for the demand voiced in the latest survey of motorists by Motorpoint, the UK's leading car supermarket group. But the technology also offers a parallel reduction in CO2 emissions.
In practice, the technology – essentially a beefed up starter motor and enhanced engine electronics – stops the engine when the driver comes to a halt and takes the car out of gear. Pressing the clutch automatically restarts the car.
Today only Citroen, BMW and Mini are offering stop-start on non-hybrids but most manufacturers are expected to introduce stop-start, on both manuals and automatics, over the next few years - either across the range or on designated 'green' models.
Motorpoint operations director Paul Winfield said: "In these days of increasing fuel prices and demands for lower CO2 emissions, its surprising that this tried and tested technology isn't already more widespread.
"We always maintain a mix of stock that offers our customers what they tell us they want. This survey shows an overwhelming vote in favour of stop-start technology. We already stock new and nearly new Citroen, BMW and Mini models and we shall make sure, as more manufacturers make the technology available, that we stock those cars too."
[Source: Motorpoint]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-29-2008 @ 4:31PM
psarhjinian said...
This feature needs to be on every car.
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4-29-2008 @ 5:07PM
Nathaniel Sears said...
its actually one of the main reasons i bought a hybrid.(which i pick up in 2 days!!!) i don't want to have to waste gas while I'm not moving i mean where is the logic behind that? But if smart would have offered that in the us model i would probably be driving one of those right now.
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4-30-2008 @ 8:38AM
joe cross said...
The problem with this technology is when it is paired with low quality or unreliable brands.Will AAA be able to tow all the nonstarters out of congested intersections before mayhem ensues?
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4-30-2008 @ 10:57AM
steven said...
So no solutions for slushboxes?
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4-30-2008 @ 12:57PM
Noah said...
Doesn't GM use this technology in some of their production vehicles (Aura, Malibu, Vue)?
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5-01-2008 @ 2:59PM
Brad Ackerman said...
I've got auto start/stop in my Mini Cooper D (too good for California), and works great. Takes some getting used to, but not much.
steven: The start-stop stops when you take your foot off the clutch -- how do you fit that into an automatic, which is missing that part?
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5-01-2008 @ 3:13PM
tweell said...
Is the fuel savings enough to pay for the increased wear on the engine? Much of an engine's wear comes from starting. At least put an electrical oil pump in (and a larger battery) before going through with this idea.
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5-01-2008 @ 4:18PM
Jason said...
The real question is why do 1 out of 4 not want this. Would they prefer to waste gas?
Noah, yes GM offers stop/start on the Malibu, Aura and VUE, but only on the hybrid versions.
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5-01-2008 @ 4:27PM
aaron said...
HC, wear is supposed to be negligible.
Most engine wear from starting, but this is from cold start. While driving, the engine stays warm and the fluids keep pumping where they are needed, so the starting isn't nearly as harsh.
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5-02-2008 @ 12:30AM
Warren said...
This isn't new technology, its been used in gasoline golf carts for years. The largest engine I've seen it used with is 350 cc but there isn't any reason it can't be used in a larger engine.
On golf carts, its used in conjunction with a continuously variable transmission "CVT" ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuously_variable_transmission ), which doesn't require a manual clutch for operation. There are also economic and technical advantages to using a CVT in combination with a start-stop engine.
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5-02-2008 @ 2:53AM
Chris M said...
With a properly designed hybrid, there is actually less engine wear from stopping and autostart-up. With a more powerful battery and more powerful high torque starter motor, the engine can be spun up to full operating speed before gas and spark are applied. That makes "no excessive wear" starting possible. Since the hybrid starter motor doesn't need to be disengaged to prevent overrevving, there is no solenoid or pinion gear or "Bendix" starter to cause problems.
Of course, the engine runs less, so less wear.
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5-02-2008 @ 11:23AM
Half Canadian said...
Does this put extra wear-and-tear on engines? I thought most damage to the engine occurred on starting up.
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