The E.P.A. under Trump is moving to eliminate credits to carmakers for the fuel-saving start-stop function.The New York Times reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) under the Trump administration is considering eliminating credits for carmakers who use the fuel-saving start-stop function in their vehicles. This feature turns off the engine while the car is stopped at a red light, and has been subsidized by the E.P.A. since 2012.
According to the E.P.A.’s administrator, Lee Zeldin, start-stop technology is just a “climate participation trophy” for car companies and is disliked by everyone. However, research has shown that this feature effectively reduces fuel consumption and emissions. Studies have found that it can reduce fuel use by 5 to 10 percent, depending on driving patterns, and can start saving fuel in as little as seven seconds of idling.
Despite its benefits, start-stop technology has its skeptics. Some believe it doesn’t actually save on gas or adds wear and tear to the engine. Others are concerned about not having control of the car or having the air-conditioning turn off with the engine on hot days.
If the E.P.A. eliminates its credits for start-stop technology, it could potentially lead to its downfall. This would leave automakers and drivers without the option of using this feature, which has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Many people have complained about the start-stop feature, citing various reasons such as not wanting to pay more for gas or not liking the feeling of not being in control of their car. However, research shows that it does have a positive impact on fuel consumption and emissions. Whether or not the E.P.A. decides to eliminate its credits for this technology remains to be seen, but it could have significant implications for the future of start-stop in the automotive industry.
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